Ronadinho Back to his Best?

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Hi guys,

The season of football is off to a good start and I must say that Ronaldinho has to be the story of the season thus far. Playing with a new found sense of purpose and determination, anyone who has watched El Guacho in his splendor last week must give some praise and credit where it is due.

Although Ronnie is not yet back to his best, one must say that he has; particularly in AC Milan's last game against Parma, showed glimpses of his former self.

I personally truly believe that the world will take notice of Ronnie again, if he puts in a flamboyant performance against Real Madrid in the Champions League tomorrow at the San Siro. However I believe his status will only be cemented if AC Milan win titles.

What would be good for Ronaldinho even if AC Milan doesn't win titles would be a recall to the Selecao (Brazil's National Team). Seeing him play at the World Cup in South Africa next year would be great, not just him, but for football as a whole and his loyal fans.

I am a firm believer that Ronaldinho still has the potential to be the best in the world for the third consecutive time, and seeing him achieve this feat would be truly amazing. Being World Player of the Year again will put him on par with legendary players such as Luiz Ronaldo and Zinadine Zidane, who have all won the award on three occasions in the past, and update his status to one of the all-time greats of the game, even though he is arguably regarded as such already.

With that said I'm rooting for Ronaldinho. Go Ronnie! You can do it!!

Ronaldinho Fails To Sweet-Talk Seedorf Into Giving Him The Number 10 Jersey

Ronaldinho who is known throughout the world for his infamous number 10 jersey, because of all the special moments he shared at Barca in the jersey, has failed to convince Clarence Seedorf to hand over the number at Mialn.

Ronaldinho has instead opted out of choosing the next closet number, the number 11 jersey, left available due to Alberto Gilardino's departure to Fiorentina and has chosen the number 80 jersey.

The rationale behind him choosing the number, is because it was the year in which he was born, 1980. It is still to be seen if the company that manages the Gaucho's image will change their name for 'R10' to 'R80'.

Seedorf had publicly stated that Ronaldinho was not needed at Milan before the player singed for the club, probably due to questions in his mind as to where he would play. However new reports had suggested that Ronaldinho and the player had since settled things, with Ronaldinho stating that he always dreamed of playing alongside the Dutchman, but with Seedorf refusing to hand over his jersey questions will arise in regards to the relationship between the two.

Tribute To Barca!!!

With a new era about to take place at Barcelona, I think it's only fitting to pay tribute to the Barca of the last era, where Ronaldinho, Eto'o, Deco, Giuly and Larrson formed the most fearsome attacking partnership anywhere in Europe.
Take a look back with me at Barca's memorable Champions League triumph in the 05/06 season, from the group stages all the way to the final in France, at the Stade de France, where Barca reigned victorious over Arseanl with a 2 - 1 victory.
Though many of our stars are gone, the pass brings hope for the future and a sign of new things to come, it's now all up to Messi, Henry, Bojan, and new signings Dani Alves, Pique, Keita, and Caceres. FORCA BARCA!!!!

Transfer Season A Lot Like Dating

Some people may see this article title and might be saying, what is this guy talking about, the transfer season a lot like dating? I know it sounds kind of crazy but just think about it for a second.
Liken the current clubs of the players to that of their current girlfriends, they have a great relationship their services are needed etc. but the transfer season(dating season or summer) comes and many players see another girl who's offering them more, maybe she's got the whole package, a beautiful smile and a nice figure (money), and she's oh so tempting to those players who focus only on the physical, or what she has to offer. Ronaldo is a perfect example of this player, with his current transfer saga with Real Madrid. Of course you know his current girlfriend(Manchester United) doesn't want to let him go, she's bossy, and more likely than not, he has no choice but to stay with her.
However there are different types of players in this game, there are players who look pass what a girl has to offer, they see her for what she is, and is attracted by her values, her character what she stands for and how he can make her a better person. He doesn't let looks be the motivating factor of his decision in choosing a new spouse or date. This kind of player is like Ronaldinho, who moved to Milan this week. I mean the brother had options, women were offering him the world(Manchester City with their lucrative offer), yet he choose the one he was most comfortable with, the one he had a love for, even though she didn't have much to offer.( Milan with their significantly lower deal and no Champions League football)
Then there is the player who is never satisfied, he has a problem with every girl he comes across, I don't even know if to call him picky, but I think he's something of a gigolo. He gets fed up with his current girl and often doesn't stay in a relationship for too long, he's always threating to leave her and often does. Anybody got a clue as to which player I'm talking about? Yip! Nicolas Anelka. Throughout this guy's career, he has played for 8 different clubs in the space of 10 years, subsequently earning himself the nickname "Le Sulk" or the Sulk. He recently signed for Chelsea and has already threatened to leave, because he wasn't getting much playing time under recently fired manager, Avram Grant.
So there you have it, the transfer season is a lot like dating. Players look for the girls who can keep them satisfied, weather it's what she's offering(money), or how much time she's giving the player(playing time), these are just some of the factors that influence a player's decision or quest for a new girl(club).
Can you think of any more players to fit the three descriptions I mentioned?

Official: Ronaldinho signs for Milan

Finally! The speculation around Ronaldinho's future has ended as Milan has officially announced that they have signed the two-time World Player Of the Year.
The official statement reads: "AC Milan and FC Barcelona have reached an agreement for the transfer of Ronaldinho. "Tomorrow, the player will be in Milan for the medical ,and to sign the contract which will tie him to Milan until June 30th 2011."
I am personally excited about this transfer. As a Barca fan, I just want to say thanks to Ronaldinho for making me a Barca fan in the first place. He along with the likes of Eto'o, Deco and Ronaldinho played the best football anywhere, and really taught me what beautiful soccer is all about.
Milan will be even more thrilling to watch next season, the prospect of him linking with Kaka, Pato, Pirlo, and Seedorf is just mind boggling, especially with Kaka. With his help Milan should be back to Champions League soccer by next season and they are sure to win many titles in the near future.
Much love to Guacho, Barca fans will miss you!

Are Clubs Wrong For Denying Their Players Permission To Play At The Olympics?

Many international stars are being denied permission by their various clubs to participate at this year's Olympic games. Ronaldinho(Barcelona), Diego(Werder Bremen), Babel(Liverpool)and Kaka(AC Milan), just to name a few, have all been told by their respective clubs, that they do not have permission to play at this year's Olympics.
This just brings me back to the question of how important international football is, when a club can deny a player from playing for his country.
Obviously playing for one's country is very important for these players, as many of them are gutted when not selected, they value it highly and see it as a great honor.
However clubs in my opinion do have an argument, they invested in these players and are hardly ever compensated when a player is injured on international duty.
So what do you think? Is it wrong for clubs to deny players from playing at the Olympics for their country? Does club come first? Or does country come first? What are your thoughts?

AC Milan Close To Ronaldinho, Drops Adebayor Interest

AC Milan vice president Adriano Galliani, has claimed that he has withdrawn interest in Adebayor, and is currently focused on securing the services of the top players at Milan, beginning with Kaka.
Kaka has been targeted by Chelsea since the appointment of Luiz Felipe Scolari, and Galliani is said to be willing to make sacrifices to ensure the player stays at Milan, which means they are likely not to sign Adebayor this summer.
Ronaldinho, who is currently being disloyal to Barcelona, by insisting that he will play at this year's Olympics, is said to be almost back to his best. This according to Brazilian national team fitness coach, Paulo Paixao, who is currently supervising Ronaldinho's recovery. Speaking of Ronaldinho in an interview yesterday, he said, "He is very happy and motivated," "He has rediscovered his joy, and is once again the Ronaldinho we all knew." "He has been very cooperative in the work we are doing to improve his physical form, and take him back to his best." "Even though he has been idle for a long time, he may already be in top shape by the 22nd of July."
Ronaldinho's defiance and his desire to play at the Olympics despite Barcelona not wanting him to go, insists that the player has made up his mind and probably doesn't even consider himself a Barca player anymore. Barca has been rumored to be responsible for the player's lack of form, due to their ill treatment of the former World Player of the Year.
A transfer fee of around 15 million euros is believed to have been agreed between AC Milan and Barcelona, with Ronaldinho being paid 6.5 million euros annually.

Eto'o, Ronaldinho Staying?

With both Ronaldinho and Eto'o out of Pep Guadiola's plans, they were said to be destined on their way out. However due to their high wage demands many clubs have lost or are loosing interest in both these players.
Eto'o is actually in no hurry to leave the Nou Camp and is said to be keen on staying, despite being practically told to find a new club. Eto'o is still currently on holiday, and is said to sit with the officials, to see what they have to say when he returns next week for pre-season training.
Ronaldinho on the other hand has drawn much attention from AC Milan. The club is having a long transfer saga with the player, and the latest news is that owner, Silvio Berlusconi has said that Barcelona is still asking too much for the player. Apparently anything in excess of 20 million euros is too much, as Milan is still trying to sign Adebayor from Arsenal, which is said to cost them around 30 million euros. This just makes me ponder. I wonder if they are trying to sign both Ronaldinho and Adebayor but I highly doubt it, especially after Milan's vice-president Adriano Galliani ruled out a double swoop.
So what does this all mean? It just means that Barcelona fans could possibly get to see two of the best players in the team, stay at the club. I am not a fan of Pep's idea to sell Eto'o and Ronaldinho. He should and eventually will, sit with both players and see what are their ambitions. Eto'o without a doubt in my mind wants to stay, and Ronaldinho though said to be keen on a move to Milan, will only move if the right offer is made. As a fan of both these players, I'm still hopeful that at least one of them will stay. Given the chance, I'm confident that they will perform and win more titles for Barca.

Barcelona, Arsenal Agree Hleb Deal

Aleksandr Hleb's future has been somewhat very uncertain over the past months, as he was an unsettled Arsenal player, trophyless, coming of age and wanting a new challenge.
Reports had stated that Hleb had agreed personal terms with Barcelona earlier in the transfer season, however a deal did not materialize, as the clubs had not yet agreed a transfer fee for the player. However reports today indicate that the clubs have agreed on a deal for the Beloriussian, and he will now fly to Barcelona, to perform a medical and sign for the club.
With this news Ronaldinho is more likely than not to leave, as Hleb has been tipped as his replacement on the left side of the team. There's really no replacement for Ronaldinho but the club has to take action in case he leaves.
This news also decreases the likelihood of Andrei Arshavin arriving at the Nou Camp this season, as his club has rejected two bids from Barcelona for him, stating that the offers weren't enough.
With club president, Joan Laporta pulling through the vote of no confidence by a very narrow margin, as 60% of the club members with voting rights voted against him, but 65% were needed for an election to be held, trasnfers activities were able to continue as usual and thus, a deal has been agreed for Hleb.
This will reunite two former Gunners, Henry and Hleb, and it is yet to be seen if the two can strike a successful partnership, as it is said they didn't play well together while at the Emirates.

Ronaldinho to AC Milan Declares Agent

With Ronaldinho still unsettled at Barcelona, his future is still yet to be decided. However recent word from the player's agent and brother, Roberto De Assis, has declared that there is an 80-90 % chance that Ronaldinho, will be at the San Siro next season having claimed that everything is in place.
Ronaldinho's Brazilian teammate Ricardo Kaka, did state earlier that Ronaldinho would love the opportunity to play at the club. Though he will most likely have to take a pay cut in wages as Milan can't compete with Barca in that aspect, I believe he is drawn to Milan because of his Brazilian companions who play there, the likes of Ronaldo, Kaka, Serginho and Alexander Pato.
Ronaldinho was thought to be keen on a move to Chelsea, to join former coach Luiz Felipe Scolari, who just ended his term as Portugal's national coach at Euro 2008. However Chelsea apparently dropped their interest due to Ronadinho's current form as the player looked overweight, in a recent charity match in Venezuela, and subsequently has been labeled Gordinho meaning "Little Fat One".
Milan has not dropped their interest however and it is believed that the club vice president, Adriano Galliani, is making the trip to Barcelona this weekend to negotiate the move.
I strongly believe that Ronaldinho will bounce back and return to form, and even though he looked overweight in the match in Venezuela, he scored twice and still showed his dazzling skills. A move to Milan could definitely revive his career and trust me on this one folks, he's still the best and he'll prove it next season. You judge for yourself, the pictures above were taken on the 2nd and 3rd of this month, in China as Ronaldinho is on tour there.

Ronadinho Charity Match in Venezuela Clips

Here's some clips of Ronaldinho recently, in a charity match against Lionel Messi in Venezuela. Clearly Ronnie still has his skills but definitely needs to work on his fitness.

Latest On Ronaldinho & Eto'o

The futures of both Ronaldinho and Eto'o are still quite uncertain, and we still don't know what will become of the two. Deco joined Chelsea yesterday, and these two could follow him shortly through the exit door.
Ronaldinho spoke today on his future, and said that if Chelsea made an offer for him he would relish the chance to rejoin his former coach, Luiz Felipe Scolari, who he has a great relatonship with, as they have known each other for quite sometime, and have won the World Cup together. However he remains loyal to Barca and has stated that he is still a Barca player, and that any transfer involving him, will be taken care of by his brother and agent, Roberto De Assis. He said that he has not yet returned to Barcelona to speak with the club, and that he is not concerned currently on where he will be playing next season, as his thoughts are consumed with his recovery. Ronaldinho also stated that he is currently very focused and getting in shape for the upcoming Olympics, as he gears up to play for his native Brazil.
Eto'o on the other hand hasn't said anything recently, but did say earlier that he will not be forced into a decision on his future, until he has spoken to the club. New reports suggest that Barca is ready to offer Eto'o to Juventus in exchange for David Trezeguet, and that Juve would welcome the offer if Barca made it official.
The transfers of these players are just a waiting game, your guess is as good as mine. I truly believe that both Eto'o and Ronaldinho will decide, after they have sat down with the club to discuss the issue.
Ronaldinho doesn't appear to be too bothered with his future, as he knows he still has a contract with Barcelona, and he can easily find another club to pay his salary. Ronaldinho's transfer will most likely be decided by his brother, as it is said agents act according to how a move will benefit them. Eto'o's situation on the other hand is just baffling to me, yes, David Trezeguet is a good striker and he is in form, but his playing days are less than Eto'o's and I personally believe, Eto'o is the better of the two. For Juventus that's a hell of a deal, if I were them I would gladly accept the swap.

Adebayor, Hleb no replacements for Eto'o, Ronaldinho

Here's the deal guys, Barca are for some reason trying to force Eto'o and Ronaldinho out of the Nou Camp, or are they?
Barca has been linked with the likes of Emmanuel Adebayor and Alexander Hleb and though these Arsenal hitmen are good players, I personally don't see Adebayor as a replacement for the three-time African Player of the Year, Eto'o, and I definitely don't see Alexzander Hleb as a replacement for two-time World Player of the Year, Ronaldinho.
Both Ronaldinho and Eto'o have been linked with several clubs since the beginning of this transfer season, but yet nothing has materialized. It seems to me as if Barca doesn't really want to sell these players, they are just keeping them until they know for sure they can get their targets, or they may just be trying to send a message to these players to shape up or ship out.
Adebayor is a striker on the rise, he's young and he has plenty time to develop, however his killer instinct is a lot duller than that of Eto'o's. He may have finished second in the goalscoring charts of the English Premier League, but more likely than not, he will not find the same space or room to score that many in the Spanish Premier Liga. Hleb too like Adebayor has potential, but let's face it guys, he is about the same age as Ronaldinho, so why replace Ronnie with him, and besides Guacho is a wizard at the top of his game, there is definitely no comparison between the two.
Both Ronaldinho and Eto'o have implied in the case of the former and clearly stated, the latter, that they prefer to stay at Barcelona. Ronaldinho said to the media in Brazil that he has a contract until 2010 with the club, and Eto'o has said that Barca is his first choice.
Really and truly, I just believe that Bara are trying to get both these players to wake up. After watching Barca loose to Manchester United in the Champions League semifinals, a team they could have easily beaten, if they had the kind of commitment and dedication they had in the early years of Frank Rijkarrd's reign, it is clear that the new coach and current officials of Barca are sending a strong message, Wake Up! Or be gone. I truly believe their intentions are really not to sell these players because if that were the case, they would have offered both these players at lower prices. I believe they are trying to get both Ronaldinho and Eto'o to be willing to give their all on and off the pitch and I guess by Pep Guardiola stating that they are not in his plans, it has given them both a since of urgency to know the reasons why such statements have been made, so they both can act accordingly. Maybe I'm being a bit hopeful, but I do hope they stay.

Pep reaveals plans

New coach of Fc Barcelona, Pep Guardiola, was officially presented today and has announced his plans for next season. The coach has stated that he is not counting on Ronaldinho, Deco or Eto'o, come next season and that these three players have their own futures in their hands. However he said that if Ronaldinho wanted to continue at the club he could do so and earn his place.
I can understand Pep's comments, apparently the relationship with these players and the club has deteriorated and he cannot really count on these players, who seem to have lost motivation to play for the club. I understand that he has to move on and build a strong side, one which does not include Ronaldino, Deco and Eto'o because these players' names are constantly in the transfer market and who knows what decision they will make.
Of the three, the player most likely to leave is Deco, he has been linked with Chelsea and Inter, but he has stated that nothing will be decided until he has finished with his international duties with Portugal. Ronaldinho too like Deco has been linked with Chelsea and has been urged by his teammate to join him at Chelsea should he join the Blues this summer. Eto'o on the other hand has expressed that Barca is his first choice but if he's not wanted he would move on. Despite Pep stating that he's not counting on Eto'o, I find it hard to believe that statement, primarily because of the high price tag Barca has placed on the striker. My view is, if you really want a player to go, you would do everything necessary to make it happen and lowering the transfer price would be a good start.
Pep has implied that he already has replacements lined up for the trio by stating that he and Barca know who they want. Recent news in the transfer market has stated that Barca are still keen on signing Emanuel Adebayor and Aleksandr Hleb from Arsenal, and time will tell if they get their targets. Clearly I can see why they would want to buy these players because to me Arsenal's style of play is quite similar to that of Barca's, but Barca just does it better in my opinion.
With all this said, Pep has stated that he is ready for the challenge ahead and that if he wasn't ready he wouldn't take up the job. I'm glad to hear his comments, I'm just hoping and praying that at least one of the three mentioned, stay at the club. I'm thrilled that he's ready for the challenge and I hope he doesn't disappoint. FORCA BARCA!!!

Ronaldinho To Chelsea?

With the appointment of "Big Phil" at Chelsea, the media are currently speculating about the two time World Player of the year going to Stanford Bridge.
Ronaldinho has been very quite these days and has not really spoken to the media about anything concerning his future. However recent news suggest that El Gaucho would be interested in a reunion with newly appointed coach of Chelsea, Luiz Scolari, who he played under at the 2002 World Cup. Ronaldinho is said to have a good relationshop with Scolari on and off the pitch but whether or not he will join him at Chelsea for sure, is another matter.
Ronaldinho has been in the shadows for much of the season that has just passed and is looking to revive his career starting next season. Known as a player that really only likes to play for big clubs, he is likely to snub a move to Manchester City, who he has been linked with for several weeks now, especially now that Chelsea are interested in signing him and Scolari has been appointed head coach.
I said it before and I will say it again, I would love for Ronaldinho to revive his carrier at Barcelona, as I am a big fan of the club, but he appears to have lost motivation to play there. However above all I would like to see Ronaldinho at his best again and if that means moving to Chelsea so be it.

What's up with Ronaldinho?

After yet another disappointing season at Barcelona, where the club came up empty handed for a second year in a row and with Ronaldinho missing much of the action due to injury and apparently personal issues. I'm left to ponder what's up with the player who I and the Barcelona faithful loved so much and who a lot of us still do.
Recent news in the press have been liking the two time Fifa Player of the Year heavily with a move to Manchester City as the owner Thaksin Shinawatra definitely has the funds to do so. However one is left to ponder if Ronaldinho would even consider moving to a club of a significantly lower caliber than Barca. There could be several reasons for him moving to a club like Manchester City, but I would say having the opportunity to be the world's best again and reviving a carrier which has gone quite quiet over the last two seasons as the main reasons.
Despite Manchester City being the club most mentioned in the media with being linked to Ronaldinho, apparently according to the player's brother and agent Roberto De Assis Moreier, Chelsea and AC Milan are still very interested. De Assis also made it known that there would be no conclusion to Ronaldinho's transfer saga anytime soon, as the player is relaxing in Brazil trying to recover from injury.
Even though there are reports in the news everyday about Ronnie, the player himself is keeping a very low profile and hasn't stated anything in regards to his future. This puts a huge question mark as to what are the player's views and what frame of mind he's in. Personally I would like to see him revive his carrier at Barca but with that looking unlikely I would prefer if he moved to AC Milan.
Moving to Manchester City to me seems like a huge step down but by moving there the team will most definitely be built around him and playing time will not be an issue. However it's hard to see him playing for City but in football money talks and anything can happen.

Jo a wanted man

Guys I was looking around today for something to write about and I saw some news that made me excited. If you are a football fan who only watches big competitions to see who will win, then you need to think again about considering yourself a true football fan. Whenever I watch football I look to see who is going to be the next big thing and I have watched a player in the Champions League who I'm sure will be a big hit soon.
He is none other than João Alves de Assis Silva or just Jô for short. The first time I saw Jô playing was in the group stages of the Champions League for CSKA Moscow against Inter. He had speed, power, skill and he scored two brilliant goals in both games against Inter. He impressed me a lot and I knew that very soon a lot of clubs would be interested in him.
With that said he is being targeted by Manchester City, Everton and Tottenham from England and it is now reported that Valencia have just shock things up as they have entered the race for the striker.
However his consultant Kia Joorabchian has claimed that one of the top four in England could make a move for Jô because he is that good and personally I agree.
Preferably however I would like to see Jô playing for one of the top clubs in Spain and even though Valencia have struggled this season, they are one of them. With his help they can definitely return to the top four in the table next season and begin playing Champions League football again.
What's rather amusing to me is that Jô is a de Assis though a de Assis Silva and not de Assis Moreira like Ronaldinho, if there's anything in a name we could see the rise of yet another Brazilian superstar, he just needs to find the right club. So with that said Jô to the world, keep an eye open for this player.

Milan want Eto'o more than Ronaldinho

Today the news is that Samuel Eto'o suits the needs of Milan more than Ronaldinho and subsequently he is higher on their shopping list. After finishing in 5th the Italian giants are ready to tweak their squad for next season.
It is reported that Barcelona are ready to listen to offers for both the gifted Cameroon striker and Ronaldinho as Pep Guardiola looks to make his mark on the team.
Eto'o is most likely a brighter prospect for them as he is a year younger than Ronaldinho and they are probably thinking about how they would fit Kaka and Ronaldinho within the same team, but ultimately i think they want Eto'o because when he is on his game he scores a lot of goals.
However although he is a brighter prospect for Milan, they know that he will cost them. Eto'o is reported to cost somewhere in the region of 40 million euros. Giving his key role in the team Barca won't let him go cheap so the number is not surprising.
Even more likely to move from the Nou Camp than Ronaldinho and Eto'o is Zambrotta, as the defender has expressed his desire to play in Itlay once again. It is reported that the two teams only need to agree a fee for the player and he will most likely be on his way.
In conclusion it is still very interesting to see who will stay and who will leave Barcelona this summer. As a Barca fan, I like so many others am left to wonder what kind of team will we have next season as Zambrotta, Eto'o, Ronaldinho and Deco are all likely to leave, but fear not Barca fans, we still have talented young stars like Messi, Krkic, Dos Santos, Yaya Toure and Iniesta. With the addition of more talented players who most likely will be bought with the transfer money received from our current stars the club will definitely rise again. FORCA BARCA!!!