Ronnie Eyes European Cup Dream
(Soccer365.com) - Ronaldinho looking for first European crown.
Brazilian superstar Ronaldinho has a date with destiny in Wednesday's Champions League final in Paris.
Barca take on Arsenal at the Stade de France in what should be a pulsating clash between two of Europe's best footballing sides.
"I always imagined myself playing in the top competitions and playing in the big finals and now I have the chance to be crowned European champion," Ronaldinho told PA Sport. "It's my turn now and with the rest of my team-mates, I'm ready to make my dream come true. Few players get this chance to play in a final and I'm delighted to be able to experience this."
For Ronaldinho, Wednesday's final will provide him with an opportunity to be reacquainted with the French capital, after previously enjoying a spell there earlier in his career with Paris St Germain.
"It's special to return to a city that I love," he added. "I am very happy and very proud.
"It was in Paris where I began my European football career and to be able to play a Champions League final there, and perhaps win, motivates me even more."
Much is expected from the two-time FIFA World Player of the Year who this summer hopes to win his second World Cup winners medal with Brazil.
However, pressure is something the 26-year-old has become accustomed to.
"To have the confidence of my team-mates gives me even greater motivation," he said. "It makes me relax and able to do my job better.
"I hope Wednesday will be a Barca night but I'm really not thinking of whether I will be the man of the match or whether I will score. All I want to do is help my team win, provide assists, that's what I'm best at."
For more soccer news from around the globe visit Soccer365
Comments
Since when is Ronaldinho called 'Ronnie'?
Anyways, champ league final should be a classic
Posted by: ??? | May 15, 2006 11:32 AM
yeah, infact he has never been called ronnie, I thought that was ronaldo.
anyway,ronaldinho is a great player and will certainly make the final much more interesting(so will henry). they aren't just great players skills-wise but also as persons and leaders.
Posted by: Anonymous | May 15, 2006 05:00 PM
I still think the final would be a lot better if Juninho Pernambucano was in it. I mean that guy can really do things with the ball on set pieces.
Posted by: Juninho8 | May 15, 2006 09:28 PM
It will be interesting to see how Henry feels about transfering to Barca after the outcome of the match.
Posted by: Anonymous | May 16, 2006 02:32 PM
yeah, juninho is an awesome player
Posted by: Anonymous | May 16, 2006 03:57 PM
Arsenal will be victorious with 2-0 win over Barca. Arsenal, all the way.
Posted by: Kobi Emmanuel,Ghana. | May 16, 2006 05:34 PM
Barcelona will win the final match and the score will be 2-1
Posted by: Jamalaldinho | May 16, 2006 07:55 PM
I pray that Barcelona will win the eufa champions league.
Posted by: eben quipit | May 17, 2006 02:01 AM
Arsenal will win with a 2-1 score. Expect goals form Henry and lungberg. God knows and i konw that we are winning.The Gunners all the way.
Posted by: Kwame Poku, Ghana | May 17, 2006 09:14 AM
You know I know God knows Arsenal will win wiht 2-1 score.
Posted by: Kwame Poku, Breman, Ghana | May 17, 2006 09:17 AM
to GOD be the glorry,I know barcelona will win 3-1
Posted by: raphiel williams | May 17, 2006 10:43 AM
barcelona will win 3-1
Posted by: raphiel williams,from nassau,bahamas | May 17, 2006 11:08 AM
ARSENAL HAS NOT TASTED THE REAL FURRY OF A DETERMINED RONALDINHO. THIS WILL BE A BARCA NIGHT! BARCELONA 3-1.
Posted by: SULTANFORLIFE | May 17, 2006 11:33 AM
Hold up, Sultan. I don't think anyone wants to sample Ronaldinho's FURRY. He doesn't seem to be the type of guy who plays with a lot of fury either. I have no doubt he will be determined to win, but I expect a very close match, with Barça taking it in the closing minutes.
Posted by: spelling police | May 17, 2006 12:23 PM
gerrard is better than lampard
Posted by: billybob | June 20, 2006 10:00 AM
Never mind, Anonymous. Juninho Pernambucano will be in the final this year, and will show the world who's boss!
Ronaldinho is the best player in the world, though.
Posted by: Sam Cooper | September 6, 2006 10:32 AM