09/26/2006
RONALDINHO WARNS RIVALS
Ronaldinho - warning for Barcelona rivals.
RONALDINHO WARNS RIVALSBarcelona superstar Ronaldinho sounded an ominous warning to the rest of the primera Liga by insisting: "We can still get better."
Frank Rijkaard's side have started the domestic campaign with three wins out of three, scoring nine goals in the process, and thumped Levski Sofia 5-0 in their Champions League opener for good measure.
However, Brazil playmaker Ronaldinho is not getting too carried away just yet.
"This season has started well but we can still get better," he told club website www.fcbarcelona.com.
"There are many teams out there that can create many problems for us in the fight for the title - Sevilla, Valencia and Real Madrid among others."
It is Quique Sanchez Flores' Valencia side who on Sunday travel to the Nou Camp, where they have picked up points in each of the past five seasons.
Ronaldinho is keen to buck that trend.
"We are highly motivated towards getting all three vitally important points," said the 26-year-old.
"We must pay close attention to all their players for there to be no surprises.
"Valencia are an extremely difficult team to beat and they have immense quality in attack."
Ronaldinho insists he has not been distracted by talk of a possible new deal in Catalonia.
"I'm never worried about my contract," he said. "I only worry about playing.
"My brother deals with all the paperwork, the only time I worry is when I'm on the pitch.
"I am very happy with the way things are going at the moment. Since I have come to Barca, things have gone well for me. I hope things continue like this all season and for a long time to come."
The former Paris St German star is even happy to live with Rijkaard's famed rotation policy.
"No player likes to sit out of a game, (but) the boss makes his decisions and we respect them," he said.
"I do not consider myself untouchable."
Argentinian youngster Lionel Messi picked up a thigh problem during last weekend's victory over Racing Santander but resumed full training on Thursday and is in contention.
Santiago Ezquerro has been working in isolation after injuring his left quadriceps, and is unlikely to feature.
Valencia, along with Barca and Sevilla, are the only other Primera Liga team to have a 100% record after three games.
Spain striker David Villa is hopeful that record will be extended on Sunday, although the 24-year-old knows it will be far from easy.
"We are very optimistic about the match," Villa told club website www.valenciacf.es. "We know it will be a very difficult encounter against fantastic opposition.
"Their results speak for themselves - champions of Europe, champions of Spain... they are one of the strongest teams in the world.
"Like our team, theirs is full of quality players. If one does not perform then another will. We will have to be alert until the final whistle."
Villa will come face to face with international colleague Xavi on Sunday, and is relishing the task.
"(Xavi is) a great footballer, very important for the way Barcelona play.
"I have had the pleasure of playing in the same side as him and understand very well the way he plays."
17:08 Posted in barcelona and ronaldinho , caricature of ronaldinho , famous interviews with ronaldinho , Robinho vs Ronaldinho , ronaldinho advertisment , ronaldinho advertisment nike , ronaldinho and barca barcelona , ronaldinho biography , ronaldinho Champions League , ronaldinho child , ronaldinho freestyle , ronaldinho girlfriend , ronaldinho goals , ronaldinho in news and newspapers , ronaldinho pictures , ronaldinho transfert , ronaldinho vaccation , ronaldinho video clip , Ronaldinho Vs Inamoto , ronaldinho Vs Zidane video clip , ronaldinho with brazil team , ronaldinho world cup 2006 | Permalink | Comments (1) | Trackbacks (0) | Email this
06/11/2006
On the big stage with the WC 2006
WORLD CUP BUMPER / POTENTIAL STARS
On the big stage
The World Cup provides the scope for players to display their talentson the HIGHEST STAGE. ANDY HAMPSON looks at the potential stars — youngsters and veterans alike — of Germany 2006.
RONALDINHO
Few doubt he is the best player in the world. The Barcelona star captured worldwide attention at the last World Cup but has gone on to become an even better player and looks destined to join the likes of Pele and Diego Maradona as a legend of the game. A wonderfully-gifted footballer, Ronaldinho is technically brilliant. He allies his flicks and tricks with a deadly attacking intent and is just about the most feared player on the planet.
He has pace, great vision and a strong finish — and such is Brazil's vast array of attacking talent that Ronaldinho is virtually impossible to contain. Any defence focusing too much on stopping him could do so at their peril — with the likes of Ronaldo, Kaka, Adriano and Robinho creating a mouth-watering forward line.
Born Ronaldo de Assis Moreira, he is better known as Ronaldinho — which means little Ronaldo to distinguish from his team-mate. He will be 26 by the time of the tournament and nearing the peak of his powers. He has already won one World Cup but could step up and be the real star of this one. There are certainly few experts looking beyond his team to win it again.
http://www.sportstaronnet.com
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05/21/2006
ronaldinho child playing and scoring goals
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05/14/2006
Ronaldinho says final validates move to Barca
For World Player of the Year Ronaldinho, having the opportunity to win trophies such as the Champions League is precisely the reason he joined Barcelona three years ago.
"When I came here my aim was to win important competitions like the Spanish league and the Champions League and now I am closer to realising that dream," the Brazilian said on Wednesday, a week before his side meet Arsenal in the final.
"Before I came here there were other clubs that were interested, but I wanted to look for a team and a place which I could adapt to rapidly and one that was better for my sporting career.
"I'm very happy that I made that decision. I'm enjoying myself a great deal here."
The 26-year-old playmaker joined Barcelona from Paris St Germain for a fee of $25 million in 2003 despite interest from Manchester United and Real Madrid.
His arrival at the Nou Camp revived a club that was in crisis and Ronaldinho led Barcelona to their first league title in six years in 2005.
The Catalans retained their title last week and now have the opportunity to win their second European Cup in Paris.
Ronaldinho said that playing the final in the French capital, his first destination when he came to Europe from Brazil, would make the occasion particularly memorable.
"It's special to be returning to a city I love and playing in the final of the Champions League which is one of the biggest events there is and that makes me even happier."
http://www.supersoccer.co.za/
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