Ronaldinho: 'It will be emotional to put the FC Barcelona shirt back on'

Ronaldinho is coming home. The Brazilian star returns to FC Barcelona as an ambassador for the Club having reached an agreement to represent Barça at institutional events. The ex-player is joining the Legends project. This is a team of ex-Barça players who play matches around the world in order to promote the global Barça brand and its values.

Ronaldinho has said he is “proud to be invited to help make Barça more well-known around the world.” He added: “I am very emotional about coming home and I have no words to express the gratitude I feel towards the Club, the Directors and everyone involved in bringing me back.” The Brazilian said he has “always felt like an ambassador for Barça” as fans have associated his name with FC Barcelona.

The ex-number ‘10’ spoke glowingly about his compatriot Neymar Jr: “He is a star and he is doing a fantastic job. It is a pleasure to watch another Brazilian make history and he is one of the best players in the world.” The Brazilian sees Neymar Jr’s rise as a natural progression: “Romario, Rivaldo and Ronaldo opened the door for me and I did the same for him. It is nice to see a succession of Brazilians who have made a name for themselves here.” The ex-Barça star added that Neymar Jr, “will do the same thing as the rest of us once he has had his time.”

The blaugrana legend acknowledged that he misses his years in Barcelona and explained that is an honour to have made history with the Club. Some of his best moments include his first goal for Barça against Sevilla, the goals in the Champions League knockout matches and his two stunning strikes at the Santiago Bernabéu, where he was applauded off the pitch. “Few players have had the pleasure of being admired in this way”, he said. Ronaldinho also spoke of his love of being the provider: “I really enjoy giving assists.” 

As was to be expected, the ex-Barça star spoke about Leo Messi. The Brazilian legend recognised the Argentinian star as “the best player in the world and there is nobody like him.” Moreover, the ex-number ‘10’ added that “Messi is who he is because he hasn’t changed from when he first started out and he still has a lot to give.”

Ronaldinho remembered the assist he gave for Messi’s first goal. “In that moment a new chapter of footballing history was born. I love that photo; Messi was very young and this is where it all began. It is fantastic to have been a part of his first steps.”

Finally, the Brazilian star stated, “Barça’s current Trident is incredible and the key to their great football is that they enjoy playing together.” He added, “Barça are doing well, they are the best team in the world and I am sure they will be able to win everything again.”