Ronaldinho

[Freddy Adu]

Name: Ronaldo de Assís Moreira, Ronaldinho
Position: Forward
Place of birth: Porto Alegre (Brasil)
Date: 21-03-1980
Height: 1'81
Weight: 80


Ronaldinho signed for Barca in the 2003-04 season following in the footsteps of a number of illustrious fellow countrymen who had enjoyed successful careers with the club: Evaristo, Ronaldo, Romario and Rivaldo.

Ronaldinho began his footballing career with Gremio de Porto Alegre, where his burgeoning talent soon brought him to the attention of the international football world. During the four seasons he spent there, from 1997 to 2001, Ronaldinho also started to claim a place in the Brazilian international side. He won the Copa America in 1999 scoring six goals, including a memorable effort against Venezuela.

In 2001, Ronaldinho decided to try his luck in European football and signed for French league outfit PSG though his debut was delayed due to a financial dispute between the two clubs. Although his time with PSG was not as successful as he would have hoped, Ronaldinho continue to prosper with the international team, winning a World Cup winners' medal at the 2002 Japan-Korea championships.

Right from his very first match in a Barca shirt, the fans were seduced by Ronaldinho's spectacular brand of footballing magic. His ability to change the course of a match with a brilliant solo effort made him the reference point of the Barca attack and one of the truly great footballing icons of the opening decade of the new millennium.

In his first season, the team strung together a sensation run of seventeen consecutive matches without defeat and finished in second place in La Liga, thereby achieving direct qualification for the Champions League. This impetus carried on to the 2004-05 season and Ronaldinho and the rest of the Barca squad soon established a lead at the top of the table that would take them to the league title. In addition, the Brazilian's tremendous talent has received public recognition with individual awards such as the FIFA World Player 2004 and 2005 and the Ballon d'Or 2005.

Since then, Ronaldinho has become the leader of the mighty Brazil side, with which he won a Confederations Cup winners' medal in Germany 2005.

However, the season of 2005/06 was dominated by Ronaldinho and Barça. With the Brazilian at the helm, the blaugrana won La Liga and the Champions League; mesmerizing everyone in the world of football with his agile, rapid and above all, efficient displays. To cap it all off, Ronaldinho was chosen Best player of the Champions League, by UEFA.

CHARACTERISTICS

Skilful, agile, extrovert, fast, inspired, magical. That's Ronaldo de Assis Moreira, known by the nickname of 'Ronaldinho Gaucho'. The Brazilian star grew up with a football glued to his feet in the heart of a family with strong footballing traditions, where both his father and his brother have been successful players.

Ronaldinho's greatest assets are speed and boundless technical skills. His natural position is behind the striker though with the ball at his feet he moves well anywhere in the attack. Although he is not principally a goal scorer, his outstanding ability enables him to score from the most unlikely situations.

Indeed, his reserves of tricks and dribbling skills seem to be inexhaustible and the fans are constantly surprised by his range of seemingly impossible moves. His combinations with the rest of his team mates in attack increase the team's attacking potential enormously.

He is also an outstanding practitioner of the free kick, with the ability to curve the ball around the defensive wall and place the ball in any part of the goal beyond the keeper's reach.

HONOURS

FC Barcelona
2006-07 Spanish Supercup
2005-06 Champions League
2005-06 League
2005-06 Spanish Supercup
2004-05 League

National Team of Brasil
2005 FIFA Confederations Cup
2002 World Cup
1999 America Cup
1997 World Cup Under 17

Individual Awards
2004-05 FIFA WORLD PLAYER
2004-05 Ballon d'Or
2003-04 FIFA WORLD PLAYER

[Freddy Adu]

FC Barcelona's stars shine in International friendlies.

Ronaldinho deliverd an inpirational performance against Algeria to mark his return to the Brazilian national team after taking a break from the Copa America championship. The Barca dynamo scored one and set up another in the 2-0 victory over Algeria in Montpellier, France. Ronnie delivered a perfect corner that was headed in by full back, Maicon just after the hour mark, and the Brazilian rounded up a brilliant performance by slotting in an 81st minute goal from a narrow angle. Both Ronaldinho and AC Milan superstar, Kaka started the match on the bench as they were both told by coach Dunga they would have to win their places back after choosing to miss out of the Copa America due to fatigue.

French goal king, Thierry Henry shot France to victory with a lone strike against Slovakia. The FC Barcelona big summer signing did not let his fans down after his great goal underlined his full return to active soccer having been injured for a long time during his latter days at Arsenal FC. Thierry is expected to continue his scoring prowess against Racing Santander in Barcelona's La Liga opener on Sunday.

The Spanish national team also rose to a 3-2 win over hard-fighting Greece in Toumba stadium in Thessaloniki, Greece in a stadium notorious for its bad pitch. Spain had to come from behind twice through Carlos Marchena and David Silva, who struck twice to secure victory for Spain. In his post-match comments, Spains coach, Luis Aragones, said:

I have to credit my team for the extraordinary result on this pitch, particularly because Greece are a good team.The pitch was horrible. This was a pitch on which it was virtually impossible to play good football. Inspite of that all of us put great effort, and the attitude of the Spanish as well as the Greek players has been extraordinary. In addition, we were fortunate enough to not pick up any injuries. The goals we conceded were as a result of defensive errors. However, we picked ourselves up and responded well against a very difficult team.

Spain did not fall like two other European soccer giants, England and Italy, who fell against expectation. England were humbled 2-1 infront of their home fans in the 90,000 seater New Wembley stadium after having gone ahead through Frank Lampard. David Beckham failed to impress. World Champions Italy fell 3-1 to Hungary after also going ahead through Antonio Di Natalea. A third Euro giant, Holland, lost 2-1 against Switzerland, while Cameroon lost 2-0 to Japan in far away Asia, in a match FC Barcelona star striker Samuel Eto'o preferred to stay out of in order to focus on the La Liga opener against Santander. Argentina fell 2-1 in Oslo against Finland, with the two goals coming from tall Finland striker, John Carew. Argentina's consolatory goal through Maximiliano Rodriguez in the 84th minute.

[Freddy Adu]

Barcelona not panicking over Chelsea push for Ronaldinho


Barcelona's sport director Txiki Beguiristain has dismissed reports linking Ronaldinho with a move to Chelsea.
Reports have suggested that Chelsea have made an approach for the Brazilian superstar after Ronaldinho's brother and agent, Roberto de Assis, was rumoured to have held talks with Blues owner Roman Abramovich.
"We do not want to sell him," Beguiristain told Catalunya Radio. "Ronaldinho is our player and I am totally convinced that he will remain at the club.
"In this aspect the decision of Barcelona is clear."
Beguiristain is not surprised that the Brazilian international is being chased by other clubs, but is adamant that the player is going nowhere as he still has three years to run on his current contract.
"It is normal that any of the big clubs in the world desires Ronaldinho, but he has signed a deal with us," added Beguiristain.
Beguiristain brushed off worries about Ronaldinho's brother and agent, Roberto de Assis, reportedly holding talks with Chelsea in London, saying:
"This is a subject that does not interest me."

[Freddy Adu]

Barcelona powerbrokers admit Ronaldinho could make Chelsea switch


Barcelona powerbrokers have hinted that Ronaldinho could be sold to Chelsea this week.
Txiki Beguiristain, Barca's sporting director, insisted yesterday that Ronaldinho was going nowhere, but other high-ranking Nou Camp sources dropped strong hints to the Spanish media that something might happen between now and Friday's closure of the transfer window.
One of the "big four" - Ronaldinho, Thierry Henry, Lionel Messi and Samuel Eto'o - could be leaving for as much as "70million euros", they have been told.

[Freddy Adu]

Laporta On Deco, Ronaldinho And Eto'o Rumours
Barcelona president Joan Laporta insisted in an interview that he is "not worried" about Los Cules' start to the season - before reiterating his intention not to sell Deco. He also spoke about summer speculation linking Milan with Ronaldinho and Samuel Eto'o.
In an interview with Catalunya Radio, Barcelona president Joan Laporta (pictured) joined three members of his squad in saying that there is no reason to panic.

Following the blaugrana's 0-0 draw at Racing Santander, much of the fanbase is upset - but Laporta sought to allay their fears.

He admitted, though, that the performance left much to be desired.

"The performance didn't please me," he fumed. "It was the result of pressure created by the excess praise given to the team and certain players.

"I do not believe in the 'fantastic four.' I want a fantastic team. Without the team, one player alone is nothing.

"Personally, I am not worried - but I am alert to the situation. If we think something's wrong, we'll act quickly."

Laporta moved his attention to Deco, the Portuguese midfielder who has seemingly been displaced from the starting lineup by Yaya Toure.

Amidst rumours that Deco is unhappy, Laporta, again, offered reassurance.

"I'm not at all worried about this subject. Deco is a professional, focused on his work, and that work contains a year of challenges.

"In this sense, I like the declarations of Rijkaard when he said that this season is a question of honour. He knows that last season is bad and everyone needs to assume responsibilities."

Laporta then reiterated that Barca will not entertain any offers for Deco - before saying that he wished he had the Deco of two years ago.

"We've already said that we won't sell him," he added. "We've spoken to him and his agent, and while he has a release clause in his contract, he wants to remain with Barca.

"Certainly, though, I'd prefer the Deco of two years ago. And he's asked if he's going to regularly be a substitute, but I calmed him down."
Finally, he also spoke about Ronaldinho and Samuel Eto'o.
"We never recieved an official offer from Milan for Ronaldinho," he said. "Eto’o is the player we had most offers for and the Rossoneri were very keen on him."
Goal.com - Barcelona - Laporta On Deco, Ronaldinho And Eto'o Rumours

[Freddy Adu]

"Spanish" Ronaldinho not looking for Barcelona pay-hike - agent


Ronaldinho's securing of a Spanish passport yesterday does not mean he will demand a new pay-hike from Barcelona, insists his brother and agent, Roberto de Assis.
"That he now has his Spanish papers has nothing to do with other things," said Assis. "To improve his contract was never a factor in this.
"For him, it is fantastic to live here and be Spanish. Ronnie has a contract with the Barca and if somebody must take the initiative it is the club; I cannot do anything.
"So, for those people asking about contracts, you should take your questions to Barca."

[Freddy Adu]

Barcelona 'convinced' Ronaldinho will remain

Barcelona say they are convinced Ronaldinho will remain with the club despite rumours of a move to Chelsea.

Media reports claim Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has held two meetings with the Brazilian's brother and adviser to discuss a possible transfer.
However, Barca's sporting director says he is "totally convinced" Ronaldinho will remain in Spain and honour his existing contract, which expires in three years' time.
Barcelona 'convinced' Ronaldinho will remain - Soccer, Sport - Independent.ie

[Freddy Adu]

Playing the money game
Ronaldinho has again been linked with Chelsea, apparently in order to avoid hefty Spanish taxes after being awarded dual citizenship. He may earn £17m a year from wages and endorsements, but he could be forced to pay millions in taxes each year and so purportedly craves a move to London. Yet there is little fact in the rumours, and the story has been revived, just days before the transfer window shuts, by one man: Roberto de Assis Moreira, Ronaldinho’s brother, agent and opportunist.
José Mourinho recently stated there would be no further transfer activity on Chelsea’s part, claiming, “I have closed the door of my dressing room and that’s very important to me. My squad is completely closed. I know the market is open until the 31st - but not for us.” And Barça sporting director Txiki Berguiristain told Catalunya Radio: “We do not want to sell him. Ronaldinho is our player and I am totally convinced that he will remain at the club. In this aspect the decision of Barcelona is clear.”

Spreading stories that attest he is unsettled and open to a move abroad is the one way in which Moreira could force Barcelona into offering the attacking midfielder a fresh contract, amid fears he could force a departure otherwise

Over the last year, Moreira has attempted to twist Barcelona’s hand into offering Ronaldinho a new and vastly improved contract, partly because his current one still has three years remaining on it. Moreira has demanded the Brazilian earns at least £8m per year - £2m more than he currently earns – and like all good agents, has spread the word that Ronaldinho could be looking to move. With so much time left on his current contract, spreading stories that attest he is unsettled and open to a move abroad is the one way in which Moreira could force Barcelona into offering the attacking midfielder a fresh contract, amid fears he could force a departure otherwise. AC Milan have been linked with the former World Footballer of the Year for more than 12 months, even claiming they were confident of signing him but, unsurprisingly, their interest came to nothing, and Chelsea have apparently rekindled their fascination, or rather a meeting was engineered between the club and Ronaldinho’s representatives.

It seems owner Roman Abramovich, not Mourinho, is pushing forward with negotiations having met with Moreira over the weekend and both clubs will convene on Thursday for the Champions League draw in Monaco, triggering gossip that informal negotiations will take place. Ronaldinho, however, remains vital to Barcelona and there is no pressure on the Catalan club to sell. What his departure would signify is potentially more damaging than not having him on the pitch. Barça wish to remain as the most-feared club side on the continent, and selling to a Champions League rival compromises this desire.

[Freddy Adu]

Barcelona tell Chelsea it will cost you £85m to capture Ronaldinho

Barcelona president Joan Laporta insisted today that he will reject any move from Chelsea or any other club to buy Ronaldinho unless they pay £85million for the former world player of the year.

That sum is the amount written into Ronaldinho's contract as a buy-out clause — meaning that if Roman Abramovich sanctioned such an extraordinary move, the decision to accept or decline the offer would be down only to the striker.

Laporta said: “We have had many offers for Ronaldinho, Samuel Eto'o and Lionel Messi but clubs need to know that my mobile is switched off for any phone call which is made to express interest in buying these players from us.
“I am hostile to any move for any of our top stars and the only way in which any club could obtain Ronaldinho or any other of our stars would be to pay the full amount of his buy-out clause.
"During the summer we rejected an extremely strong move from AC Milan to buy Ronaldinho. [The club's president] Silvio Berlusconi wanted Ronaldinho but we rejected that move and what I told Berlusconi about what would happen if I sold him has become legendary.”
Laporta privately admitted to his Italian counterpart that he would be 'chased out of the country by the fans' if he ever sold the 27-year-old.
He added: “We have taken a decision that we want to count on our top stars [Ronaldinho, Eto'o, Thierry Henry and Messi] for this season because we depend on them and we owe a debt to what they have done for this club.
“The fact is that Eto'o is the player for whom we have received the most offers, but the situation remains the same for all of them — we will not sell.”
The Catalan lawyer, who came to power in 2003, was not playing with words when he said that.
Barcelona may well want to hold on to the Brazilian but they would powerless to prevent him leaving should Chelsea's Russian billionaire decide to spend more than double the world transfer record.
The reason is that the process involves a buying club depositing the full amount of the buy-out clause with the Spanish Football League, who would then tear up Ronaldinho's contract and if the player opted to accept a move to the buying club Laporta could do no more than attempt to persuade the Brazilian to stay with an offer of higher wages.
Laporta is likely to give the same explanation to club members if he is quizzed about the subject at tomorrow's annual general meeting at the Nou Camp.

Linking up? Lampard and Ronaldinho

It would be suicidal for Laporta to attempt to hide any knowledge he has of Abramovich's pursuit of Ronaldinho and then to conduct business before the close of the transfer window at midnight on Friday.
Laporta's stance was backed today by the club's sporting director Txiki Begiristain, who remains convinced that Ronaldinho will not leave for Chelsea.
“Ronaldinho is our player and will remain at the club,” he said. “In this aspect the decision of Barcelona is clear.
It is normal that any of the big clubs in the world desire Ronaldinho.”
Whether Abramovich and Kenyon are about to undermine their consistent message of the last two years — that they wish Chelsea to conduct their business in a commercially sustainable manner — by spending £85m on a single player, still appears to be the matter of some conjecture.
Only this month, Chelsea refused to pay the additional £3.5m that would have brought Daniel Alves from Sevilla because they were unwilling to match the £24m asking price.
The attacking fullback was so convinced that he was coming to Stamford Bridge that he spoke publically about his desire to move to the Premier League and has now gone on strike and is refusing to play in Sevilla's Champions League third qualifying round tie against AEK Athens tonight.
If Chelsea really are considering a world record offer, they will be hoping to build on any feelings of disaffection that Ronaldinho now has with Barca.
Laporta explained 18 months ago that the club were preparing a record offer for Ronaldinho to extend his stay at Barcelona until 2014 in a deal which would be worth around £90m to the player.
Since then, there have been no firm talks with Ronaldinho or his brother, Roberto de Assis Moreira, who represents him and was in London during the weekend. The stand-off would appear to indicate that there is a strong lobby within the Catalan club advising Laporta that Ronaldinho is a declining asset.
In a further development yesterday, the Brazilian was given Spanish citizenship, thus making him a more attractive target for clubs in Europe.
His EU citizenship means he no longer occupies one of the three non-EU slots in the Barcelona squad, increasing his market value to clubs like Milan and Juventus.
Equally, the fact that Laporta has close links to Kenyon and agent Pini Zahavi — who has conducted many Chelsea transfers — cannot be irrelevant to this situation. Conspiracy theorists

[Freddy Adu]

Barcelona dig heels in over Ronaldinho

Joan Laporta, the Barcelona president, yesterday attempted to thwart Chelsea’s interest in Ronaldinho by warning the London club that it would cost £85 million to secure his services. All top players in Spain have prohibitively expensive buy-out clauses written into their contracts designed to ward off potential suitors.
Barcelona rejected Chelsea’s £50 million offer for Ronaldinho three years ago and, after fighting off several approaches from AC Milan this summer, are confident of keeping hold of the Brazil star. Roman Abramovich met the player’s brother and agent, Roberto de Assis Moreira, in London last weekend but Chelsea have yet to make a formal bid.
“I am hostile to any move for any of our top stars and the only way in which any club could obtain Ronaldinho would be to pay the full amount of his buy-out clause,” Laporta said. “During the summer we rejected an extremely strong move from AC Milan to buy Ronaldinho.
“We have taken a decision that we want to count on our top stars for this season because we depend on them and we owe a debt to what they have done for this club. My mobile is switched off for any phone call which is made to express interest in buying these players from us.”

Chelsea’s position should be clearer when Peter Kenyon, the chief executive, meets Laporta at the Champions League draw in Monaco tomorrow, though at the moment José Mourinho, the manager, is continuing to plan without Ronaldinho. Chelsea’s players have been discussing the prospect of welcoming such a notable teammate, however, with John Terry yesterday claiming he would have to improve defensively to play under Mourinho.
“Our wide men going forward have defensive responsibilities as well,” Terry said. “We have seen that José has taken off Wrighty [Shaun Wright-Phillips] and [Joe] Cole because they have not been doing the defensive side of things and it takes players a while to learn that, otherwise you come off.”

[D. Stankovic]

All news about Ronaldhino, post here.

[artinh82]

Father played in an amateur football (soccer) club in Brazil.

Brother, Roberto, was a star of the amateur football club, but was sidelined by a knee injury.

[Brasil]

You see, he played for Gremio, you know why, because Gremio is number 1.

[)Brendan(]

Ronaldinho hasnt been starting for awhile. I've heard hes getting fat and is only getting playing time in the 2nd half.
It could be the fact that Messi is at the peak of his career and is playing really well.

what do you think it is?
)Brendan(

[scotttttttttttttt]

ya he partied until around 4 am like 48 hours before a game.
proves the "married players are more stable" opinion if you ask me

[Bossman]

Hes still an amazing player!

[artinh82]

He is the best player in the world right now.

[)Brendan(]

Yea but hes getting out of shape and hes partying more.
Messi is playing really good and maybe thats why.

[)Brendan(]

hmmmmm?

[Brasil]

Whoever said Ronaldinho is fat should be killed. He is the best player in the world right now. As for that picture, one of them is a game when he won like 2 years ago, and another one is a game he lost so it makes a difference.

[portista7]

Hes not played well, but you know hes still one of the best players. But Messi is more important to Barca now.

[)Brendan(]

Messi is more important they want to develop him more. They want to focus on him because he could be one of the best.

[Amo-te Benfica]

+ Messi is not "at the peak of his career". He is not even 20. He's nowhere near his best and I think that is a scary thought.

[portista7]

I agree. Messi will get even better and then what will he be doing?

[carpediem33880]

[Brasil]

Those are some sexy pics




JKing lol....are you trying to point out Ronaldinho is sweating lol? I sweat like crazy, that's just how I am, he might've just been working harder :P

Anyways...Guarana is Sponsor of Brasil!! SWEET!!!!!! For anyone who is Brazilian Guarana is the greatest drink in the world.....ha that's great...

[carpediem33880]

no, when i recognize a player without thinking on yahoo sports, i copy the image link and post it here

i did so with robinho not long ago

[Brasil]

Oh ok

[egypt man]

Whoever said Ronaldinho is fat should be killed. He is the best player in the world right now. As for that picture, one of them is a game when he won like 2 years ago, and another one is a game he lost so it makes a difference.

I know mate but I mean look at the difference between the two pictures.

[Brasil]

Ronaldinho on his way to Chelsea, say Spanish media


Written by: AFP

	Barcelona´s Ronaldinho gestures during a Champions League match against Chelsea in 2006. Numerous press reports in Spain have claimed that Ronaldinho could be set for a move to Chelsea.

MADRID (AFP) - Ronaldinho could be set for a move to Chelsea, according to one of the numerous reports Wednesday which suggested the embattled Brazilian is finally ready to depart Barcelona.

Ronaldinho has fallen out of favour at the Nou Camp this season, especially since his reputation was damaged by highly-publicised reports of his nocturnal party lifestyle.

Amid falling sales of his number 10 shirt, a series of substitute appearances and an apparent lack of form, the 2006 Ballon d'Or winner is now on his way to Stamford Bridge, according to Spanish sports daily Marca.

Marca cited none of its sources but said the 27-year-old already holds an offer from the English Premier League side offering him 10 million euros a year.

British newspaper The Sun reported as far back as September that Chelsea were ready to offer Barcelona a whopping 70 million euros (102 million dollars) for Ronaldinho, who would receive an annual salary of 17 million euros.

But the possibility of Ronaldinho's departure from the Catalan giants has been amplified by the arrival in the city this week of his brother and agent, Roberto de Assis.

AC Milan are also said to be interested in Ronaldinho, who according to his brother appears ready to leave Barcelona before his contract expires in 2010 should the club express that wish.

"He is fine at Barcelona, but if someone wants him to leave he will go for free - without having to pay the get-out clause," Roberto de Assis told several Spanish newspapers.

De Assis appeared to deny that any deal had been done with Chelsea when he told El Mundo Deportivo: "I have not read the newspapers, but it is a big surprise for me, because I have not spoken with anybody.

"I cannot receive offers. The only one who can receive them are Barcelona."

"Is Ronaldinho leaving in December? Ask the club," he told reporters in Barcelona later on Wednesday, before adding that in the world of football "everything can change very quickly".

Meanwhile Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard, whose future at the club has also been subject to speculation in recent weeks, has brushed off persistent rumours that Ronaldinho has been seeing his daughter Linsey.

"Her boyfriend is Brazilian, but it's not Ronaldinho", Rijkaard told a Dutch publication, Life after football, according to Catalan daily El Periodico.


Oh I hope not, I can never support chelsea....