Weve been hearing of this Redemption since his Milan days, although he did do well there he was a shadow of his former self, I would blame it on too much too soon and lack of desire but to be honest that last season at Barca really was the end of him, still the most exciting player ive ever seen in my lifetime
Ronaldinho
- Thread starter Raoul
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In the latest episode of the United Hour Podcast, Nik (@Rood) and Imran (@Annihilate Now!) talk about the proposed new stadium, season ticket prices, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and all things INEOS after the first year of their co-ownership.
They also discuss back-to-back victories vs. Real Sociedad and Leicester City - was this the best week for Amorim so far?
I think he's still good enough to play for the Brazil team, off the bench he could bring some magic.
He really isn't. He's a mess now, whenever he plays its like his team are missing a man.
He's not and he's shown it over and over again when he's played for us.
It was the sentimental in me who posted.
He was missing often in the CWC matches vs Raja and Guangzhou. His only contributions seemingly come from free kicks. I simply can't foresee him offering anything but a liability to Brazil in the World Cup.
I would take him to the world cup even if all he did was to take set pieces. You're talking about a player who can change the game with a single kick, put him on the bench all the way if you have to, but if you're chasing a goal and need a set piece taker, just play him. Defenders will mark him just based on his reputation alone, and that will open up space for the likes of Neymar and Oscar to capitalise.
Feels like an eternity ago
A street footballer who made it to the highest level.
Indeed. The majority of players lose the child within and starts playing efficient football for results like C.Ronaldo. Ronaldinho managed to get the results and still remain the same trickster he was.
The best to watch. Utter shame that he declined so rapidly.
Can't see him joining us, but worth a bid. Can he play in a midfield 2?
Show pony
He's the sort of player you expected to be able to play at a high level well into his 30s, which is why his decline was such a surprise. I mean, he never relied on his pace or strength, just pure skill and vision.
One of the most gifted footballers I've ever seen. The shame about these rags to riches stories is that they rarely last for long - in so many cases the fame and fortune goes to their head and we only see them at the top level for a short time.
He is the most extraordinary footballer I've ever seen, one of a kind. He could do anything with a football.
He had the perfect balance of entertainment and productivity. Brilliant to watch.
Agree with everyone above. Ronaldo and Messi may be better and are definitely more consistent, but neither is a fun to watch as Ronaldinho.
was so close to join us back in 2003. people said had we signed ronaldinho then we would not have brought ronaldo. anyway i would always love to imagine having ronaldinho and a young ronaldo and rooney back then. we probably would had won the european cup a bit earlier than 2008.
Hopefully like Barca got Ronaldinho we can make that catalyst signing in the summer. He really his the man reason Barca came back in a big way to the top.
One of the best players I've ever seen, truly spectacular player on his day. I remember most of the Bernabeu applauding for him after he thrashed us at home.
One of the best players I've ever seen, truly spectacular player on his day. I remember most of the Bernabeu applauding for him after he thrashed us at home.
I think every football fan remembers that, regardless of club affiliation. It's one of those things that just can't go unnoticed. Beautiful to watch, great sport from Madrid fans, and the deserved praise of one of the most sublime individual performances in a big game ever.
These players bring joy to the fans. My only source of entertainment watching Porto these days is Quaresma's glimpses of class. His career amounted to nothing outside Portugal, but it seems to have been (from 2 games only so far) a decent January free acquisition for us. Still doing better than our other (very weak) wingers, winning fouls with elasticos and such is great value.
Fantastic player, the most enjoyable to watch for me. Had it all: the skills, the pace, the power, the vision, the goals, everything. Well, everything except that work ethic that could've seen him win Ballon d'Or after Ballon d'Or, shame. And he could've come to Utd. 
Not enough players like him in the game at present. Too many machines and not enough artists!
Played football with a smile on his face.
Had hoped to see him play in the MLS even though he wouldn't have given a shit in any match.
Agreed. At his peak Ronaldinho was mind blowing. Easily the most entertaining player I've seen.
What happened to this imminent move to Besiktas we kept hearing about?
Still remember his older brother (and later, manager) playing at Sporting. Also blossomed at Gremio before injuries held him back and from what I read he was good enough to provide his family with a lot of comfort. Ronaldinho mentions him as his greatest influence and support. Gosh, must be awesome having a younger brother like that.
From his wiki:
From his wiki:
Talk about a one man team.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/ronaldinho-i-was-48-hours-man-united-move
Ronaldinho: I was 48 hours from Man United move
3 July 2014
Charlie Coe
Former FIFA World Player of the Year Ronaldinho has revealed he was just 48 hours away from signing for Manchester United in 2003.
Both Barcelona and United were hot on the heels of the PSG star more than a decade ago, having seen him knock England out of the 2002 World Cup. But it was the Catalan giants who snatched the player from under United’s noses.
Reports at the time suggested Ronaldinho moved to Spain because their offer of £21 million was deemed superior to the cash-plus-player offer put forward by United.
However, in an exclusive interview with FourFourTwo, the Selecao star claims negotiations between himself and the Red Devils were close to a conclusion, and it was only when it became clear his close friend Sandro Rosell was in line to become Barcelona president that the Brazilian had a late change of heart.
Speaking in the July 2014 issue of FFT, Ronaldinho says: “It almost happened with United. It was a matter of 48 hours, but Sandro Rosell had told me way before I got the offer: 'If I become Barça president, will you come?' I said yes.
"It was only a matter of details with United when Rosell called to say he was going to win the elections there. And I had promised to him that I'd play for Barça. It was a quick negotiation. I told the English I had chosen Barca."
Rosell did not win the 2003 elections, but was named vice-president after supporting the successful candidacy of Joan Laporta. This proved enough to persuade Ronaldinho to choose the Camp Nou club over a transfer to Old Trafford.
It was a move that completely transformed the fortunes of a Barcelona side that went from not winning a trophy in four years to winning six titles in the space of three seasons, and Ronaldinho is happy he made the right decision.
“It was the right choice. Brazilians have always loved Barça. We have a history there. Off the pitch it is like nowhere else in Europe, so we are always happy playing there."
Eh. Not massively fussed in hindsight.
I was there when he scored that toe poke against us in 2005, jaw dropping moment... and I was also there when Boulahrouz kept him in his back pocket in 2006. Unfortunately that was Boulahrouz's only career defining moment. *sigh*
His peak was done at some point during 2005-06, seem to remember he went fairly quiet in the second half of the season, was invisible in the Champions League final and then did absolutely nothing at the 2006 World Cup. Seemed to have lost a bit of pace and therefore played at a pace which was easier to defend. 2006-07 he was still effective but had stopped simply destroying people by running at them and then from there it was a decline.
He'll always have the talent with the ball at his feet but physically and mentally he changed and that's why we were robbed of his best for longer than he gave us. I think his father died which had to have a major effect plus all the partying he did and lack of training must've had something to do with it too.
Agreed with those saying he was the most entertaining to watch though. Nobody made football look as fun as he did at his peak, just loved seeing what he'd come up with next.
Same story with all these talented Brazilians, there's always something that stops them after a while.
Adriano was frightening but then his dad died and he lost the plot completely. No desire to work hard and train and carried on partying.
Ronaldo was hampered by horrible knee injuries but didn't help himself with partying and lack of control over his diet.
Robinho has the talent but again, nowhere near the desire needed to make the most of it and has pretty much wasted his career.
Rivaldo could've been brilliant for longer than he was but his personality meant he clashed with higher ups and then god knows what happened at AC Milan on the back of possibly his greatest performances at the 2002 World Cup.
Kaka was hampered by knee and hernia issues too.
Imagine how good they could all have been without the injuries and with better mentality/attitude?
He'll always have the talent with the ball at his feet but physically and mentally he changed and that's why we were robbed of his best for longer than he gave us. I think his father died which had to have a major effect plus all the partying he did and lack of training must've had something to do with it too.
Agreed with those saying he was the most entertaining to watch though. Nobody made football look as fun as he did at his peak, just loved seeing what he'd come up with next.
Same story with all these talented Brazilians, there's always something that stops them after a while.
Adriano was frightening but then his dad died and he lost the plot completely. No desire to work hard and train and carried on partying.
Ronaldo was hampered by horrible knee injuries but didn't help himself with partying and lack of control over his diet.
Robinho has the talent but again, nowhere near the desire needed to make the most of it and has pretty much wasted his career.
Rivaldo could've been brilliant for longer than he was but his personality meant he clashed with higher ups and then god knows what happened at AC Milan on the back of possibly his greatest performances at the 2002 World Cup.
Kaka was hampered by knee and hernia issues too.
Imagine how good they could all have been without the injuries and with better mentality/attitude?
Shame how fast his decline seemed to come and how early too, to think he only turned 34 a few months ago. Such an incredible player to watch on his day and by far the most entertaining I've seen.
Finally might be on his way to English football.
Basingstoke Town have made an offer.
Basingstoke Town have made an offer.
Say what? Is this one of those jokes, like the women's team wanting to play Man Utd because they needed "an easy game". Or genuine?
He might be horribly out of shape these days but I guarantee he can still do things with a football that defy belief.