Morning Ticker: Flamini finalizing Milan move, Ronaldo speaks and Boca downs River

It was yet another entertaining and eventful weekend in the soccer world. It was a good weekend to be a Fulham fan, a Real Madrid fan and Bayern Munich fan. It wasn't a good weekend to be a Birmingham fan, Reading fan or Ronaldo, who probably spent the weekend watching 'The Crying Game' on a loop.

Here are some news tidbits get your day started:

Flamini to sign with Milan today

Mathieu Flamini's move to AC Milan is expected to be completed today after the French midfielder completed a physical. Flamini is leaving Arsenal as a free agent after seeing his contract with the Gunners expire. Flamini's departure is a tough blow to a strong nucleus of young Arsenal players. He was the bulldog in the middle expected to take over for Gilberto Silva (which he did this season). Where will Arsene Wenger turn now to replace Flamini? Very good question.

Ronaldo speaks, apologizes for transgression

Brazilian World Cup hero Ronaldo spoke publicly for the first time since his run in with three transvestite prostitutes last week. He apologized, insisted that he did not know the three were not female, and also threw in the fact that his AC Milan contract expires next month. He could sign with Flamengo. The real question is whether anyone outside of Brazil would even think about signing him?

Real Madrid clinch title

It took a little longer than they probably wanted it to but Real Madrid successfully defended its La Liga title by clinching its 31st Spanish First Division championship on Sunday with a 2-1 win against Osasuna. With Barcelona falling apart late in the league season, Real Madrid was able to overcome its own struggles and win another trophy.

Bayern Munich reigns again

With the memories of its UEFA Cup embarrassment still fresh, Bayern Munich regrouped and salvaged a scoreless draw on Sunday to clinch its 21st German Bundesliga title. Bayern dominated the German league from start to finish and will head into next season as a strong candidate to challenge for the UEFA Champions League. The addition of Juergen Klinsmann as head coach along with the likely transfer moves this summer mean Bayern Munich could have more hardware to celebrate in 2009.

Boca beats River

Sebastian Battaglia scored the lone goal to give Boca Juniors a 1-0 victory over arch-rival River Plate in the biggest rivalry this side of Galaxy-Chivas USA (okay, I'm kidding). The win was Boca's first against River in three years. And here we thought Marcelo Gallardo's weekend couldn't get any worse.

Odds and ends

Barcelona and Argentina defender Gabriel Milito will be sidelined for six months after knee surgery. ... Slaven Bilic has signed a two-year extension to stay on as coach of Croatia after the European Championships.

Comments

[Chase]

Who does Wenger replace Flamini with? Michael Bradley???

[Steve]

Overly optimistic approach. Michael Bradley to Arseanl. =]

[Nick]

Chase, I was thinking the same thing.

[doug]

I heard Wenger is looking at Michael Johnson of Man City. He's done well under Sven this season. That is a shame of a story by itself. How can that guy run Sven out of there?

[Thesumn]

Ronaldo can always play for the Galaxy, I mean, they're ok with Landycakes and a guy with the #23 shirt who said on national TV that he wears his wives undies.

Getting involved with transvestite hookers is a very LA thing.

[Nutmegger]

I don't think Wenger can bring in a "project" and as promising as Bradley is, he is still a project for an EPL team. He has to go with more of a veteran in my opinion. Shalrie Joseph would be an example of the type of player with MLS experience who might qualify. But frankly, I don't see him going for any MLS'er or an American. Will be interesting to see... NM

[tedhill]

Wow, it is way too optimistic but if that did happen I would probably have to not hate Arsenal anymore.

[alexandre]

what about Carlos Vela. I know he's been playing very well in Osasuna and it would be easy since he already belongs to Arsenal.

[matt]

alexandre- vela doesnt play holding midfield.

i'll continue to tout this until it doesnt happen. its gotta be veloso from sporting. he's probably better than flamini right now anyway.

[Rocco]

I wouldn't be surprised if Arsenal pick up Genaro Gattuso to replace Flamini. Sure, he had a down year, but the guy is all energy and punishes opponents...I think it's just the type of person Wenger would want back there protecting an oft-injured back line.

[Pat the Red Bulls Fan]

Altidore and Bradley to the Arsenal? That's overly optimistic. Still only cost like $15,000,000 though.

[Andrew]

Why is Arsenal not re-signing Flamini? Are AC Milan offering him outrageous money?

[mary]

With all the teasing statements Ives has made about a superclub looking at Bradley, I can't tell if he's dropping hints above or I'm reading too much into it...

[MiamiAl]

Thesumn, Ronaldo could get transvestite hookers in New York too...

[Gonzo]

Doesn't Bradley play a more attacking role with Heerenveen? I know he plays a more holding role with the USMNT but I don't really think that's his best position. Bradley to Arsenal would lead to a lot of time watching Cesc Fabregas lead the Gunners to greatness.

[Drew D (From FL)]

The question is though, if arsenal sign gattuso how much of an upgrade is that from Gilberto?

[aristotle]

Can't Ronaldo just buy a girlfriend, or boyfriend?

[doug]

Veloso has been tapped to go to United along with his teammate Joao Moutinho. Its the pipeline from Sporting Lisbon to Man United. They have the connection in Quieroz and already have Nani and Ronaldo.

[JB]

Bradley is better now than Flamini was when he signed with Arsenal 4 seasons ago. You could make a case that he is better than Flamini period. But, that might be too much for the Eurocentric crowd to take.

[Joe]

I think Arsenal should try to really keep Gilberto now and I hear Gattuso wants out of Milan maybe. What about Lucho Gonzales at Porto. He might be more attacking but I would like to see him in an Arsenal kit. Along with David Villa and Quaresma. But we will probally get some unknown players that are very technally gifted but dont have that drive to win championships. We will see at the Euros this summer who can make a big name for themselves

[anon_e_moose]

Veloso to Arsenal. Bradley to Everton. Quaresma to Madrid. Altidore to Westham. Villa to Juventus. Mourinho to Barcelona. Rijkaard to Valencia.