Gooch Finalizes Toon Move; Ronaldo Becomes a Rossonero

• Associated Press, Tuesday, January 30, 2007 3:13 PM

U.S. defender Oguchi Onyewu completed a medical and then agreed to be loaned from Standard Liege in Belgium to Newcastle United in the English Premiership. The deal will keep the imposing American defender in North England until the end of the season, at which time Newcastle has the option to make the transfer permanent. Onyewu becomes the 13th American player in the EPL, a record.

Onyewu, who has been the subject of countless transfer rumors from clubs all across Europe, insisted, "I am not here just for the short-term. I am definitely here for the long-term and to make something special happen." He said Newcastle's struggles this season were a factor in his decision to move there. "There were other possibilities, but in the end I realized this was the best career move for me," the 24-year old said.

Separately, Real Madrid misfit Ronaldo finally joined Italian giant AC Milan for a reported $9.73 million. The 30-year-old Brazilian signed an 18-month contract. During a press conference, the three-time former Ronaldo expressed his sadness at leaving Real, taking a parting shot at coach Fabio Capello: "My heart's breaking but life goes on. I'm a great Madrid fan. I'm not so sure about the coach." As part of the deal, Milan striker Ricardo Oliveira moves to Madrid on loan.

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