Ronaldinho gives Barca belief http://www.uefa.com/magazine/news/Kind=16/newsId=419189.html Friday, 12 May 2006 Ronaldinho has been the inspiration behind FC Barcelona's resurgence since joining the Catalan club from Paris Saint-Germain FC in 2003. "He is the player who has made every Barcelona fan believe in their team again," FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta said. "He has been one of the main reasons why Barcelona are now as successful as we are." After claiming his second Spanish title in as many seasons last week, Ronaldinho is now looking to go one further and win Europe's top prize by defeating Arsenal FC in the UEFA Champions League final. Ronaldinho has already scored seven times in the competition this season and his wide array of tricks and skills have set the competition alight. Only Thierry Henry has come close to emulating the dazzling Brazilian, who told the Official UEFA Champions League magazine programme that he will be looking to get the better of his friend when the two go head to head at the Stade de France… UEFA: How does it feel to have reached the UEFA Champions League final? Ronaldinho: I am extremely happy, this is what every sportsman dreams about. And now that we have this important opportunity, I want to prepare well for it so I can enjoy the occasion. UEFA: Crucial matches are coming thick and fast at the moment... Ronaldinho: Yes, especially towards the end of the season because we have done well in both competitions and this is a very important year because of the World Cup. We think football 24 hours a day. UEFA: How would it feel to win the UEFA Champions League in Paris of all places? Ronaldinho: It would be perfect. It is where I started playing football in Europe and it would be a bit like coming home. I’m ecstatic that I’ll be playing the final there. UEFA: What do you think of Arsenal's incredible run of not conceding a goal in ten games? Ronaldinho: Arsenal have a very good team you know. From the goalkeeper to the forwards, I have a lot of respect for them because they are very accomplished players. In order to breach their defence, we’ll have to use many weapons, such as playing at full speed which I think may help us achieve that target. UEFA: Tell us about Thierry Henry... Ronaldinho: He is a friend of mine. I will have to play against a friend who is very talented and we will have to be very cautious and alert when we play against him in the final. UEFA: What do you make of all the speculation linking him with a move to the Camp Nou? Ronaldinho: Yes, that is a possibility that he has and if he decided to come here we would receive him with open arms, especially myself because he is a very good friend and a great player. UEFA: What’s it like to be thought of as the best player in the world? Ronaldinho: I’m looking forward to helping my team-mates as best as I can. I don't consider myself the best player in the world. I'm happy to do the best I can so my team can win and continue playing at the same level as they are performing at the moment. UEFA: Have you relaxed at all since the winning the Spanish league with Barcelona? Ronaldinho: No, I’m training lots to be in good shape for the final. I don't intend to be the best player in the final or to try anything new. I want to try to play as simple as possible so that my team can benefit from it. In other words, I want to play as close to my normal game as possible. UEFA: What makes you happiest? Ronaldinho: When I'm successful, when I can do what makes me happiest, which is to provide my team-mates with passes they can put away. I enjoy winning matches of course and scoring goals. Winning is always the main priority. I want to win titles and if I can win and play well at the same time I will be happiest. -- ██████████████████ --

※ 發信站: 批踢踢實業坊(ptt.cc) ◆ From: 210.243.142.19