Football: Brazilian great Ronaldinho rolls back the years during Dubai visit

Dubai - After opening his first academy in Dubai last year, Ronaldinho returned to shores to announce a second academy which will open in Abu Dhabi

Ronaldinho didn't have to be the showman. He was the show. He had mesmirised many the world over with his magical football, in a career spanning two decades. And he did too so on his visit to Dubai on Wednesday afternoon. Ronaldinho still carried that aura even though he didn't have a foot on the ball. He waltzed in like a superstar, a beanie cap over his head and a cool pair of shades, for added effect.
And that infectious smile was still there.
From those humble beginnings in Porto Alegre in his native Brazil, Ronaldinho went to become a part of that golden generation of footballers of that era, which is perhaps missing now. During his time with French Ligue 1 side Paris Saint-Germain and La Liga and European heavyweights FC Barcelona, Ronaldinho added the word 'beautiful' to the beautiful game.
Thankfully, for defenders around the world, they don't have to deal with him anymore.
After a 17-year career laden with trophies, the 2002 World Cup winner is now keen on giving back to a sport that gave him everything. After opening his first Ronaldinho Soccer Academy in Dubai last year, the man was back to these shores to announce a second academy which will open in the UAE capital of Abu Dhabi.
"I love Dubai, I love this city and I have many friends who are working in the academy. The kids are happy and that's what makes me happy. And I hope it grows even more that I can keep coming to Dubai," Ronaldinho said on Wednesday.
"My goal is to give back everything football has given me," he added.
Ronaldinho's best phase of his career came during his time at FC Barcelona. He spent five seasons with the Catalans during which time he won the La Liga twice as well as the UEFA Champions League in 2006. That period also saw him win the FIFA Player of the Year accolade in 2004 and 2005 as well as the prestigious Ballon d'Or in 2005.
He also formed a formidable partnership with Lionel Messi, who had just broken into the Barca first team then. Messi would later go on to inherit the No.10 jersey from Ronaldinho.
It was said to be one of the best sides then with the likes of captain Carlo Puyol, Deco and Samuel Eto'o, to name a few. But a lot of people are hailing the team of the Pep Guardiola era as well as the present team, as the best Barcelona teams ever.
Ronaldinho though, was not drawn into those comparisons.
"I never liked comparisons. We were a great team with great players, great individuals, and today's team is also a great team with great players, great individuals. I was successful and my team was successful, we won a lot of trophies and today's Barcelona is the same, they are very, very successful. Again, I don't like comparisons, I just wish them the best and hope it continues," said Ronaldinho.
This year's ongoing Champions League saw one of the most brilliant fightbacks ever seen in history with Barcelona overcoming a 4-0 deficit to defeat Paris Saint-Germain 6-1 at the Came Nou and 6-5 on aggregate.
Having played for both teams, Ronaldinho said that it was a privilege to a part of both the clubs and said Barcelona's comeback was special and historic.
"It was a privilege to play for both clubs. I cannot say if it was the biggest comebacks in football but it was the most memorable. It was a special and different one. It was historical," he said.
Ronaldinho also spoke about present star Neymar and said that his compatriot would land the Ballon d'Or soon enough.
"Neymar is a good friend. He's Brazil's greatest idol today. He's already at the same level as those players, Ronaldo and Messi. I truly hope that one day he will get the Ballon d'Or. He's already got lots of success but he's already among the top, and it's only a matter of time before he wins Ballon d'Or," felt Ronaldinho.
Barcelona are on the hunt for a new coach after Luis Enrique decided to step down at the end of the season. Asked if he would like to be the Barca manager, Ronaldinho gushed and said: "No, no. That's not for me man."
james@khaleejtimes.com