I don't think it was a failure as much as Milan not wanting to take the risk.
Risk? I hardly found him a risk.
He was scouted for 3 years. He was by far one of most proven players in south america, unlike say... ganso/lucas etc. He's mature.
I got not wanting to buy him for 18-20 mil which was case in 2008/9 range but fact he moved for only 10-12 mil.. :-/
And fuck... he pretty much owned ganso in sao paolo/santos game in early 2010 showing he was guy Braida should sign.
Milan not buying him, was one of the bigger annoyances to me, just cause players like him are NOT common.
I STILL don't get how he's not center piece of brazil NT midfield. He's 26, he's a true CM. He's got to figure in.
I really wouldn't mind hernanes in our midfield, any chance of us getting him? he can't stay in Lazio forever.
His contract is up in 2015. So yeah, he won't move for less than 20-25 mil this summer.