BACK?!!!

Now let us rewind the tape back to 2003! Ronaldinho’s brother Roberto helped him from Gremio to Paris SG in the French league a couple years earlier. And now, 2003, Roberto was again instrumental in the way to handle the situation to bring his brother to Barcelona. Man Utd were after the young superstar. The brothers were convinced that the tempo and technique of the La Liga would suit Ronaldinho better than the Premier League. And off they went - to Barcelona.

5 years of success, brilliant football and superb goals included also some TV ads, drinks and late nights at different pubs (at least in later years). Was the smile vanishing? Was that all? 5 years of entertainment? Was Ronnie getting tired of all that money? Or was it all a huge mastermind plan, a plan produced by a certain brother? We all now and they have not made any secret of it: Ronaldinho wanted to play for Italian giants Milan. The problem would only be that he would never be allowed to leave for less than 100-150 million Euros. At least!!!

Most players need to be in form to produce. There are players relying on fitness and other skills to play good football, such as pace or determination. But Ronaldinho was born with football as a second mother and he was graced with the gift of football. He didn’t play good last year. That is an obvious thing you would say. But my point is that he didn’t ACT well either. Ronaldinho is the worst actor I’ve seen. Not to patronise the guy. He is one my great idols. When Ronaldinho doesn’t play well it is like the ball isn’t round anymore. It all looks weird and artificial. He didn’t even run as he used to. He didn’t even pass the ball as he used to. It all looked crazy and annoying at times.

He looked tired when he should’ve had heaps of energy left. He looked pale and uninterested. He looked boring when he has been the football entertainment #1 last five years. So when Ronaldinho doesn’t play good, something is wrong. With a huge W.

Plan: “Destination Milan”.
Commence date: 2007-08-01
Target date: 2008-06-01
Completion date: 2008-07-17

A bit later than Roberto expected but still, he landed. The hero, the man, the idol, the Milanese heart.
Fitness levels low! Motivation unknown! But those factors are rather human than problematic.
Fitness coaches at Milanello have worked hard last few months. Now it is time to see the old young Ronaldinho.

He is blessed with a technical genius that we can see in only one more player, Kaká. Messi is still a couple years adrift (time is on his side though). Ronaldinho scores goals again and he plays fantastic football again. Ronaldinho is finally Milanese - he has got what he wanted. Some would say it is too early to determine whether he is back again, altough he scored 2 goals against Sampdoria in the weekend. A couple of months more and he will produce the magics. Next season he should be back to top-form, very much according to schedule (World Cup is 2010 next time).

Was it all worth it? For Ronaldinho and Milan it was! At least he is smiling again…