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Ronaldinho: 'I want to win
everything' |
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04 Deco 2006 |
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Ronaldinho needs no introduction.
Recent years have seen
the samba star light up world football with his incredible talent and bubbly
personality, whether in
the colours of Catalan giants Barcelona or his beloved
Seleção |
Whether it is playing or training, as long as there is
a ball at his feet, Ronaldinho tends to do it with a smile on his face.
(AFP) Cesar Rangel
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The Brazilian genius is a master of
the unexpected, capable of moments of footballing magic that have made him
as feared by opposing defenders as he is revered by supporters of his own
side. |
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The Barça No.10 is also in
the form of his life. On the back of a "disappointing" FIFA World Cup finals
in Germany and an unconvincing start to the club season, Ronaldinho has
returned to the peak of his powers with some inspirational performances in
Spain's Primera Liga. Any doubters need only glance at his recent wonder
goal against Villarreal, a spectacular overhead kick he himself called "a
dream come true". The goal was his tenth strike of the campaign, and put him
level at the top of the Spanish scoring charts |
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With all his trademark charm to the
fore, Ronaldinho chatted exclusively to FIFA.com about the
challenges that lie ahead this campaign: the FIFA Club World Cup, the chance
to repeat last year's Primera Liga and UEFA Champions League success, and
his continued quest for footballing greatness. |
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FIFA.com: Ronaldinho, after an
uncertain start to the season, would you agree that Barcelona appear to be
hitting form just at the right time?
Ronaldinho: Yes, it took us a while to get going. There
were a few of us who were still recovering from the World Cup and we had a
very tough, but rewarding, pre-season. We're back on form again now and
aiming to win every title available. |
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Did the injuries to a number
of your team-mates play any part in the team's difficult start?
We'd developed a style of play that we all knew inside out. Moves were
coming off really easily as we'd practised them so much. But time has shown
that those players coming into the side are quality too, we just needed to
get to know each other more. Yes it's true that we've had to change our
style of play, and this has taken a bit of getting used to. We were
accustomed to playing with our eyes closed, we've had to work hard at it,
but everything's going well. |
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A work of art from one of football's true geniuses: a
magnificent improvised overhead scissors-kick against Villarreal on 25
November 2006 at the Camp Nou.
(AFP)
Luis Gene |
You are currently playing in a
slightly unusual position, off to the left-hand side of the attack.
Yes it's true, we're playing with two attackers out on the flanks supporting
an out-and-out centre forward through the middle, but with each passing game
I'm getting more licence to roam and I'm able to enjoy myself more out on
the pitch |
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Do you feel comfortable out
wide?
I'm feeling increasingly comfortable in this role as I've been seeing more
and more of the ball. Things have improved game by game and you can see the
results out on the pitch. |
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Besides which, you have been
scoring plenty of goals.
I'm of the opinion that when any of our
forwards score goals, I'm doing my job right - regardless of whether it's me
or not who's putting the ball in the back of net. |
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Given that you have been one
of the Barça players to have had least rest during this hectic
opening period, how are you feeling?
Physically I'm feeling fine. I worked hard in pre-season training and I'm in
great form. |
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How are the players
approaching the imminent must-win UEFA Champions League clash against Werder
Bremen?
They're treating it in the right way: like a final that we have to win at
all costs. Barcelona are a great team, with excellent players. I'm very
confident that we'll make it through. |
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Would this be a good way for
you to put what happened at Germany 2006 behind you?
Yes, I really regret not being crowned champions, because in Brazil second
place is nothing. In general, all the players in the Brazilian national team
are extremely sorry about what happened. We wanted to come home with the
trophy but we had a disappointing World Cup. |
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Brazil are currently
undergoing a period of transition under new coach Dunga. How do you see the
situation?
These changes are quite normal. The players coming in aren't very well
known, and some are very young. A lot of people may not have heard of them
now, but within two or three years these guys are going to be household
names and getting a lot of media attention |
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Is it down to you to take a
leading role in this young team?
I'm one of the most experienced players in the national side, and one of the
leaders, just like at Barcelona. I'll be doing everything I possibly can to
fulfil my leadership responsibilities and help my team-mates. |
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Can you see yourself being
crowned world champion once more in 2010?
It's still a long way off, with almost four years to go, but of course I'd
love that to happen. I was fortunate enough to become world champion once,
and I can see myself doing it again. Lifting that trophy would be simply
magnificent. |
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Next up comes the FIFA Club
World Cup, where you will have another crack at the world title.
For me, that would be fantastic. This year I wanted to win the League, the
Champions League, the World Cup, and the Club World Cup. Unfortunately it
proved beyond us in Germany, but that makes me even more determined not to
miss out in December's tournament. |
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That instantly recognizable face, the name and the
number are all tied together in a package that is sure to cause huge
excitement from the moment Barcelona touch down on Japanese soil.
(AFP) Luis Gene |
Will it feel strange if you
end up facing your former arch-rivals Internacional?
It would be like any other game, but with a special twist as they're
opponents I played against many times in a Gremio shirt. I'm sure that their
fans would whistle at me and put pressure on me, thanks to the rivalry that
exists between the two teams. Barcelona, however, are obliged to beat every
opponent and that's what we've got to do. It would be a very tough game but
one we'd do our very best to win. |
How much do you know about the
other teams in the competition?
The Mexican outfit, America, are going to be very tricky opponents, we
played against them in pre-season and it was a very tough game against an
extremely talented side. Winning the Club World Cup will be no easy task. |
You're clearly very determined
to lift the trophy this December.
Yes, very much so. Ever since I was a boy back in Brazil, this was the title
that we all wanted to win. I can remember a number of games involving
Brazilian sides and they all gave their utmost to try and become the best
team in the world. I'd love to win the Club World Cup. |
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