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."
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06/08/2006
Ronaldinho expects to face tough defense at World Cup
Wednesday, June 7, 2006 (Koenigstein, Germany):
Ronaldinho knows being the best player in the world has its burdens. One of them will be to face defenders extra motivated trying to stop him at the World Cup.
"I've been facing tough defense for quite some time with Barcelona and the national team. It's not going to be any different in the World Cup," Ronaldinho said before one of Brazil's practice sessions in Koenigstein.
Ronaldinho, named FIFA player of the year for the last two consecutive times, will be leading Brazil on its quest to win its second straight World Cup title - and sixth overall.
"All nations try to set up the best defense in the world when they are facing Brazil. We know we will face a lot of difficulty because of that. Everybody plays very defensively against Brazil," he said.
The striker, who helped FC Barcelona win the Spanish title and the Champions League earlier this year, said he doesn't want extra pressure because of his status of best in the world.
"I think everybody in the team has the same responsibility. What I have is a lot of motivation to play my best. I'm going through a wonderful moment and I hope to get to the World Cup at the same level."
Ronaldinho, 26, also said he's not worried about his scoring drought during the team's pre-World Cup preparation. He netted no goals in the three warm-up matches in which Brazil outscored its opponents - Swiss club FC Lucerne, Fluminense's under-20 squad and New Zealand - by 25-1.
Ronaldinho said that his job in the national team was to help the forwards score.
Ronaldinho will be playing in his second World Cup. He was a member of the squad that won Brazil's fifth title at the 2002 World Cup in Japan and South Korea.
Ronaldinho has 46 goals in 88 matches for Brazil. Ronaldinho on Tuesday proudly distributed to teammates the first issue of the Brazilian comic book in which he is a toothy, boyish character possessing the soccer wizardry of his namesake, the Brazilian Soccer Confederation said. The deal for the player's comic book series was closed last year in Brazil. (AP)
http://www.ndtv.com/
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05/21/2006
Ronaldinho: Star of the Brazilian team star of germany 2006
They call it the beautiful game back in his homeland, and Brazilian superstar Ronaldinho is one player who plays it as beautifully as many of his glorious predecessors, including the one and only Pele.
Skilful, dedicated, inspiring; Ronaldinho is the driving force behind Brazil's challenge for a sixth World Cup Trophy.
His place in the final eleven for Germany 2006 is guaranteed by the coach who has every confidence Ronaldinho can live up to the expectations that come with the title of 2005 FIFA Player Of The Year.
More than a dangerous and exciting player, the current custodian of Brazil's number 10 shirt is a master of improvisation with an attitude that has made Ronaldinho one of the most respected players today.
Unstoppable in qualifying and a star for FC Barcelona, Ronaldinho is capable of re-inventing the game any time he laces up his boots and World Cup 2006 is set to be his finest hour.
At the international level, Ronaldinho averages a goal every other game, having scored 27 in 60 appearances for the Samba Brigade since his debut in 1999.
Brazil's magical attacking quartet, with four players among Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, Robinho, Kaka and Adriano in front steamrolled the opposition at the Confederations Cup last year. Brazil playing the daring 4-2-4 combination employed during the old, glorious days of Garrincha and Pele.
Described as "god's gift to football'' by club teammate Henrik Larsson, Ronaldinho's methods of tricking defenders include "la cola de vaca'', Spanish for cow's tail in which he flicks the ball from one shoe to another in quick succession.
Humble beginnings
What's not so well known is that his full name is actually Ronaldo de Assis Moreira. In fact, he was given the nickname Ronaldinho, which means Little Ronaldo, to help distinguish between him and his formerly more-famous strike partner.
Ronaldinho was raised by his mother in the southern Brazilian city of Porto Alegre after his father died, and joined the youth ranks of local first-division team Gremio as a seven- year-old.
Then followed a two-year-stint with French side Paris saint-Germain in the early years of the millennium, where his manager claimed he was more focussed on the nightlife of Paris than on his game.
But in 2003 Ronaldinho Gaucho arrived in Barcelona, and went from superhero to demi-god status. The 26-year-old has been the face of a resurgent Barca, scoring 24 goals from 68 games for the Catalan giants and being the driving force behind their two consecutive la liga titles.
As the superhero's fame spread worldwide, it was quite fitting when he got his own comic series as well which was inspired by the feats of the buck toothed wonder.
But it will be no laughing matter, least of all for his opponents, when the ponytailed genius takes the field in Germany. After all, no one can forget the way he mesmerised defences in this fashion in his only previous appearance at the last world cup.
From his harsh childhood to fighting his way into the formidable Brazil forwardline to becoming the star of the world's number one team, this is one player who's turned every obstacle into a stepping stone and goes into the World Cup as the biggest star on offer.
http://www.ndtv.com
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05/18/2006
You can be in Ronaldinho's bed!
Do you fancy spending a night in the same hotel room that Ronaldinho, star of Brazil's World Cup squad, has just slept in?
If so, make your bid in an eBay online auction launched by a luxury hotel in central Switzerland where the Brazilian team will set up training camp next Monday before the World Cup in neighbouring Germany.
"We just hit on the idea by chatting among ourselves in the hotel management," assistant manager Philipp Musshafen at the Park Hotel Weggis said on Tuesday.
The highest bid so far for Ronaldinho's double room is 502 Swiss francs (220 pounds) - with much lower bids of 51 francs apiece being made for the rooms of fellow players Ronaldo, Kaka, Adriano and Roberto Carlos.
The auction (www.ebay.ch) runs until May 29.
Winners will spend the night of June 3 at the hotel, just hours after the Brazilians move out at the end of a two-week stay. They will also be given signed Brazilian football shirts. Normal rates for the five rooms on offer range from 480 to 780 Swiss francs each.
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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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Laureus World Sports Awards, Barcelona 2006 Ronaldinho:Laureus Awards Are Very Important
Laureus World Sports Awards, Barcelona 2006
Ronaldinho:Laureus Awards Are Very Important
"It Is An Honor to Be on the Nominees List"
 | |
| Ronaldinho |
BARCELONA — Brazil and FC Barcelona playmaker Ronaldinho has just days to wait to see if he is acclaimed as Laureus World Sportsman of the Year, after a brilliant 2005 in which he was named FIFA's World Player of the Year for the second straight time.
Ronaldinho, one of the world's great footballers, who is expected to be the star of this summer's FIFA World Cup, said: "I am very happy. When I was told that I was selected among the nominees I felt very excited. I already know the Laureus Awards because Ronaldo told me about them. He received an award after the last World Cup. It is a great honour to be present there."
Also nominated for the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year Award is Spain's Fernando Alonso (Formula 1), Lance Armstrong (cycling), Roger Federer (tennis), Valentino Rossi (motor cycling) and Tiger Woods (golf).
The Laureus World Sports Awards is unique. It is the only global sports awards honouring the greatest sportsmen and women across all sports each year. The winners are selected by the ultimate sports jury - the 42 members of the Laureus World Sports Academy, a collection of the world's greatest sportsmen and women. The living legends of sport honouring the great athletes of today.
The names of the winners will be announced during a televised Awards Ceremony staged at the Parc del Fòrum, Barcelona, Spain, on the evening of May 22, 2006.
Ronaldinho is only the third player to have been voted FIFA World Player of the Year more than once, following Ronaldo and France's Zinedine Zidane, who both won the award three times, Ronaldinho has demonstrated his ability to change the course of a match with brilliant solo skills which has made him the creative force of the Brcelona and Brazil attack.
Ronaldinho, who some weeks ago posed next to one of the Laureus Academy members, the legendary England football player Bobby Charlton, at Barcelona's Nou Camp Stadium, is very excited with his nomination. Now he is waiting to see if Charllton, and his fellow Academy members, vote for him to win the prestigious Laureus Award.
It is only the second time a football player has been nominated for the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year Award. In 2003, as a consequence of his success in the FIFA World Cup in Japan and South Korea, Real Madrid star Ronaldo was on the short list, but he lost to cyclist Lance Armstrong. However he was rewarded with the Laureus World Comeback of the Year Award that year after his return to Brazil's team after a long term injury.
Laureus is a joint venture between DaimlerChrysler and Richemont, represented by the founding partner brands IWC and Mercedes-Benz.
Last year's Awards Ceremony, in the presence of His Majesty, The King of Spain, was attended by the legends of the Laureus World Sports Academy and Hollywood stars Jackie Chan, Morgan Freeman, Teri Hatcher and Marcia Gay Harden. Among the award winners present were Roger Federer, Kelly Holmes and Greece football coach Otto Rehhagel.
Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia, is a city with an enormous sporting tradition which has staged the most important sports events. The immensely successful 1992 Olympic Games gave a new impulse to sport in the city. Sport is a part of everyday life in Barcelona and during the past few years the number of high-level international championships staged in the city has multiplied. Therefore it is no surprise that Barcelona was chosen to host the Laureus World Sports Awards in 2006.
Barcelona is a Mediterranean and metropolitan city with the most modern facilities. Its unique architecture, artistic ambience and many tourist attractions have made Barcelona one of the most visited cities in the world. A business and leisure city, it is the ideal place to organise such an important moment of the sporting year - the Laureus Awards Ceremony.
http://theseoultimes.com
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05/12/2006
Ronaldinho Is Man to Watch at World Cup
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interview :Ronaldinho gives Barça belief
Ronaldinho is looking forward to facing his friend Thierry Henry in Paris (©Getty Images)
Ronaldinho gives Barça belief
Ronaldinho has been the inspiration behind FC Barcelona's resurgence since joining the Catalan club from Paris Saint-Germain FC in 2003. "He is the player who has made every Barcelona fan believe in their team again," FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta said. "He has been one of the main reasons why Barcelona are now as successful as we are." After claiming his second Spanish title in as many seasons last week, Ronaldinho is now looking to go one further and win Europe's top prize by defeating Arsenal FC in the UEFA Champions League final. Ronaldinho has already scored seven times in the competition this season and his wide array of tricks and skills have set the competition alight. Only Thierry Henry has come close to emulating the dazzling Brazilian, who told the Official UEFA Champions League magazine programme that he will be looking to get the better of his friend when the two go head to head at the Stade de France…
UEFA: How does it feel to have reached the UEFA Champions League final?How does it feel to have reached the UEFA Champions League final?
Ronaldinho: I am extremely happy, this is what every sportsman dreams about. And now that we have this important opportunity, I want to prepare well for it so I can enjoy the occasion.
UEFA: Crucial matches are coming thick and fast at the moment...
Ronaldinho: Yes, especially towards the end of the season because we have done well in both competitions and this is a very important year because of the World Cup. We think football 24 hours a day.
UEFA: How would it feel to win the UEFA Champions League in Paris of all places?
Ronaldinho: It would be perfect. It is where I started playing football in Europe and it would be a bit like coming home. I’m ecstatic that I’ll be playing the final there.
UEFA: What do you think of Arsenal's incredible run of not conceding a goal in ten games?
Ronaldinho: Arsenal have a very good team you know. From the goalkeeper to the forwards, I have a lot of respect for them because they are very accomplished players. In order to breach their defence, we’ll have to use many weapons, such as playing at full speed which I think may help us achieve that target.
UEFA: Tell us about Thierry Henry...
Ronaldinho: He is a friend of mine. I will have to play against a friend who is very talented and we will have to be very cautious and alert when we play against him in the final.
UEFA: What do you make of all the speculation linking him with a move to the Camp Nou?
Ronaldinho: Yes, that is a possibility that he has and if he decided to come here we would receive him with open arms, especially myself because he is a very good friend and a great player.
UEFA: What’s it like to be thought of as the best player in the world?
Ronaldinho: I’m looking forward to helping my team-mates as best as I can. I don't consider myself the best player in the world. I'm happy to do the best I can so my team can win and continue playing at the same level as they are performing at the moment.
UEFA: Have you relaxed at all since the winning the Spanish league with Barcelona?
I don't intend to be the best player in the final or to try anything new. I want to try to play as simple as possible so that my team can benefit from it
Ronaldinho
Ronaldinho: No, I’m training lots to be in good shape for the final. I don't intend to be the best player in the final or to try anything new. I want to try to play as simple as possible so that my team can benefit from it. In other words, I want to play as close to my normal game as possible.
UEFA: What makes you happiest?
Ronaldinho: When I'm successful, when I can do what makes me happiest, which is to provide my team-mates with passes they can put away. I enjoy winning matches of course and scoring goals. Winning is always the main priority. I want to win titles and if I can win and play well at the same time I will be happiest.
from:http://www.uefa.com
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