Ronaldo de Assis Moreira, better known as Ronaldinho, continues to keep an eye on events at FC Barcelona. The ex Barça player spoke to the Club media in an extensive interview in which he analysed the current first team in depth and, in this first part, discussed specific members of the 2015/16 squad.
He particularly focuses on Leo Messi, saying that “it’s really nice to see how he’s grown.” It was alongside Ronaldinho that the Argentinian first started making a name for himself in professional football. “My fondest memory with him was his first ever goal” remembers the Brazilian. “It’s nice to know that I provided the pass. It was a very special moment for me.”
Ronaldinho naturally had words about his compatriot Neymar Jr too, who he believes “could become the greatest player in the world. He’s phenomenal. It’s a joy to see another Brazilian making history.”
‘El Gaúcho’ was at FC Barcelona from 2003 to 2008, and in those five years he coincided with several people that are still at the club in different guises. He played alongside the man who is now first team manager, Luis Enrique Martínez, who he reckons “will be one of the best coaches in the world”, as well as Andrés Iniesta, who is still playing and is now the first choice captain. “When I see him play these days, he reminds me of Xavi” says Ronaldinho. “He was always a top quality player. He started very young with us, and it’s crazy to see how he has gone on to make so much history.”