The legend of the game who wore the Rossoneri colours in the past, Ronaldinho, has granted an interview to those at La Gazzetta dello Sport today to talk about AC Milan facing another former club he used to play for, Paris Saint-Germain. Here are the Brazilian's words:
"I expect a magnificent match and hope to be at the stadium, both for the first leg and the return. Because these are two clubs that I hold close to my heart, two teams I played for, and two places where I was very happy. So, in my assessment, I am moved by sentimental reasons. Having said that, there's also the technical aspect: two great teams, rich in history and with a brilliant present, featuring many magnificent players on both sides. For all these reasons, I expect two superb clashes."
Ronaldinho on which team is in a better form right now:
"Milan had two good matches against Newcastle and Borussia Dortmund, but they didn't find the net. Now, they are obliged to break through, and it's not easy to do so against PSG. The French, after a complicated start due to the radical changes in personnel, tactics, and methodology following Luis Enrique's arrival, seem to be on an upswing. However, don't ask me for a prediction. My heart is divided, and it seems like a valid excuse to avoid giving a definitive answer."
On Rafael Leao:
"He's the right one to wear that number. A player that enchants me, and I'd like to add that my sentiment should be shared by all those who love football because Rafa's style of play is something everyone can agree on, a universal consensus built on spectacle. He can make a difference, and I hope he has a great game."
On Mbappé, Ronaldinho said:
"You see, do you understand why I don't want to take sides? Another superstar who can decide the match as and when he pleases, just like Leao. People who draw others to the stadium, encouraging fans to spend to see their team live, and neutrals to stay in front of the TV."
On the San Siro issue:
"Milan is doing very well. Two years ago, they won the league, then reached the Champions League semifinals. When results come, it generates enthusiasm and gets people into the stadium. Milan must stay on this virtuous path to continue winning. While I understand the reasons for the change, I count myself among the nostalgics, and I believe there are many in this camp. Certainly, in the crowd, there are all those who have played in that unique, incredible stadium."
On his memories at PSG, this is what Ronaldinho had to say:
"PSG was my first team in Europe. I arrived from Gremio when I was 21, and the welcome was fantastic. They treated me very well, and after the first season, I went to the World Cup and returned as a World Champion. The club was different from what it is now. The project was just starting, but it was a fundamental experience for me. Paris and France showed me what it meant to play in Europe at a high level."
On AC Milan, he said:
"I arrived with a lot of experience under my belt. And I felt great. With spectacular teammates: Kaká, Pato, Thiago Silva, Seedorf, Beckham, Shevchenko, Pirlo, Gattuso, Ambrosini, Inzaghi... And then Robinho and Ibrahimovic, a collection of stars. Two very different moments in my career but two fundamental stages in my life. The Serie A title won in red and black feels like mine even though I didn't finish the season in Milan and returned to Brazil."
On a memory, Ronaldinho said:
"In both cases, I think of the 'Clásicos.' In the second year in Paris, three victories out of three against Marseille, and for the Italian experience, it's easy, the goal in the derby: I had just arrived, it was my first goal in Serie A, and it was decisive. Luis Enrique? Yes, at Barcelona. I have happy memories, and I appreciate his technical and human qualities. As a coach, he's been doing well for years, and it doesn't surprise me."
On Carlo Ancelotti, Ronaldinho said:
"An excellent coach and a very, very kind person. The fact that he's still there, year after year at the highest level, speaks volumes about his immense stature. 'Great' seems to be the best word to describe him."
