Yet another reason to love the former AC Milan and Barcelona star…
You have more to thank Ronaldinho for than you thought.
The brilliant Brazilian playmakers, who shone so brightly and so briefly at Barcelona, has revealed the part he played in the rise of Lionel Messi to Spanish newspaper Marca:
“It was the players who asked Rijkaard to promote to Messi to first-team training.”
It’s perhaps no surprise that the playmaker could recognise true genius when he saw it. Unfortunately for Ronaldinho, it was only when he was moved on to AC Milan that Messi was truly able to shine. While Ronaldinho was all amazing flair and joy on the ball, he lacked the commitment to continue to work once he’d reached the top. Messi on the other hand seems to work harder the better he does. It’s no surprise that the diminutive Argentine is often cited as a perfect fusion of South American flair with European discipline.
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The former PSG star also took the opportunity in the same interview to weigh in on the Ronaldo v Messi debate:
“Cristiano Ronaldo is a very complete player, but Messi is better because he has magic”, explained the 34-year-old.
Ronaldinho was part of the Frank Rijkaard team that laid the foundations for Pep Guardiola’s all-conquering side. The playmakers was a key influence in two consecutive league titles and the 2006 Champions League victory over Arsenal.