Storyline: There are football players and there are football players. There is only one Ronaldinho. Written by Bijit from India.
RONALDINHO- the name needs no introduction. He’s a player revered by the opposition, one who wins the hearts of people with that trademark smile.
Initially bought by Barcelona to rival the purchase of David Beckham by then president, Joan Laporta, this move turned out to be the dawn of a bright chapter in Barcelona’s history. Prior to his signing Barcelona had not won a trophy since the 98/99 season. Barcelona had finished a miserly 6th the previous season, a fact which seems almost impossible these days.
Courtesy: radiogoal24.it
The club was in dire need of a change and started afresh in 2003/04 with a new young manager, Frank Rijkaard, and their marquee signing, Ronaldinho. The rest is history.
After suffering from injuries during the first half of the season, Ronaldinho went on to score 15 goals in the second half to project Barcelona to second position that season. The 2004/05 season saw Ronaldinho coming into his own as he put Barcelona back on track while collecting the FIFA World Player of the Year. With the arrival of Deco, Eto’o, and Guily, Barcelona flourished and brought home the La Liga title that season.
However they were knocked out by Chelsea in the Champions League following an aggregate 5-4 loss. More success followed Barcelona and Ronaldinho the following season as the club went on to win the Champions League along with the La Liga.
It was during this season–on the 19th of November in the El Classico match–that the sheer genius of this player was recognized by the Bernabeu crowd: they gave him a standing ovation. That made him the second Barca player (after Maradona) to achieve this honor.
But his magic began waning from the next season onwards. In July 2008 Ronnie joined Milan. Many great players have been associated with the Blaugranas, including the likes of Paulino Alcantara, Johan Cryuff, Diego Maradona, Hristo Stoichkov, Michael Laudrup, Rivaldo, Ronaldo, Deco, Figo, Guardiola, Puyol, Riquelme, Xavi, Iniesta, and Messi. The present generation would ideally go for Messi. With his goals and assists Messi has been the driving force behind the club’s two trebles.
Others might root for Cryuff, who has had an immense impact on the club both as player and manager. However, the status should go to Ronnie. He has provided the impetus and brought belief back into the dressing room. His smile followed him everywhere, displaying optimism.
Camp Nou players learnt a lot from this guy. Most importantly they learned the art of winning. Ronnie brought the smile back to Barcelona.
