Ronaldinho Transfers to AC Milan
Can the Brazilian Recapture Form After Leaving Barcelona
But can the once sublime Brazilian recapture the kind of form that won him the World Player of the Year award in both 2004 and 2005? At that time the mecurial forward was drawing comparisons to Pele and Maradona in terms of technical ability. In the past 18 months, however, it appears that Ronaldo de Assis Moriera, or Ronaldinho Gaucho, may have lost his appetite for the game he previously dominated.
Quitting Barcelona
His mannerisms in his final months at Barcelona, a club that had nurtered and developed his genius, were of a man who had become too fond of the finer things in life. Cars, nightclubs and beautiful women took precedent over a healthy diet, fitness and physical preperation. Almost as if he had nothing left to prove, Ronaldinho had descended into a bloated, unrecognisable shadow of his once brilliant best. Barcelona head coach Frank Rijkaard saw it coming - he was a peripheral figure last season, playing in only 17 league games. However, Barcelona fans are thankful for the memories of his greatest goals.
Transfer to AC Milan
But AC Milan have been willing to take a gamble on a player many have deemed to be past his best, and if their new signing can repeat just some of the abilty that saw take Barcelona to back-to-back La Liga titles, and also a Champions League crown in 2006, then their decision could well be vilified. Teaming up with current AC Milan hero, and Brazilian colleague, Kaka could prove to be the most devastating partnership witnessed across European football for many years. They are unquestionably two of the most gifted players of their generation, and the hope from the San Siro is that they can complement each other's strengths to devastating effect.
Recapturing form
But the doubters will always question his desire. After all, Ronaldinho has won all of the major team and individual honours that soccer has to offer, and at just 28 years old. He may well see this as an opportunity to relive his youth, the youth he spent honing his skills rather than on nights of debauchery. Something, or someone, is needed to trigger the thirst for more honours under different surroundings, with a new set of supporters waiting to idolise him. Also, he must be aware that he is being written off in most footballing quarters - what better way to quell those doubts by leading AC Milan back to the pinnacle of European football? It is a conundrum that only the man himself will be able to answer. Supporters of the Rossoneri will be hopeful he can answer with his feet.
