Ronaldinho dreaming of European glory
Brazilian superstar Ronaldinho has a date with destiny in Wednesday’s Champions League final in Paris.
Barca take on Arsenal at the Stade de France in what should be a pulsating clash between two of Europe’s best footballing sides.
“I always imagined myself playing in the top competitions and playing in the big finals and now I have the chance to be crowned European champion,” Ronaldinho told PA Sport.
“It’s my turn now and with the rest of my team-mates, I’m ready to make my dream come true.
“Few players get this chance to play in a final and I’m delighted to be able to experience this.”
For Ronaldinho, Wednesday’s final will provide him with an opportunity to be reacquainted with the French capital, after previously enjoying a spell there earlier in his career with Paris St Germain.
“It’s special to return to a city that I love,” he added. “I am very happy and very proud.
“It was in Paris where I began my European football career and to be able to play a Champions League final there, and perhaps win, motivates me even more.”
Much is expected from the two-time FIFA World Player of the Year, who this summer hopes to win his second World Cup winners medal with Brazil.
However, pressure is something the 26-year-old has become accustomed to.
“To have the confidence of my team-mates gives me even greater motivation,” he said.
“It makes me relax and able to do my job better.
“I hope Wednesday will be a Barca night but I’m really not thinking of whether I will be the man of the match or whether I will score.
“All I want to do is help my team win, provide assists, that’s what I’m best at.”
The South American star knows his side face an immense task in stopping Arsenal from landing their first European Cup.
Arsene Wenger’s side have shown their best form in Europe this season by beating the likes of Real Madrid, Juventus and Villarreal to reach the final.
“I fear Arsenal’s team as a whole,” said Ronaldinho.
“We will have to be careful of every single Arsenal player, not just Thierry Henry.”
The Arsenal defence have not conceded a goal in 919 minutes in Champions League football this campaign, and this concerns Ronaldinho.
“They are very strong defensively,” the Brazilian added.
“We have to respect Arsenal, they have a very good side.”
But the Gunners’ defence will face a stern test of their defensive qualities as they prepare to face the best strike force in this competition.
“We will not change our style of play,” admitted Ronaldinho.
“We are going to try to do what we always do and that is to play our normal game and score goals.
“The team is focused and we are all on the same wavelength, thinking about the same thing, Wednesday’s final.
“We have been training very hard in order not to come up against any surprises.”
The Spanish outfit will attempt to join the select band of European clubs (Liverpool, Ajax and Bayern Munich) to have claimed their domestic title and European Cup on more than one occasion, having previously achieved the feat in the 1991-92 campaign.
“It’s strange that a great club (Barca) that has had, and continues to have, great players has only won the European Cup once,” he said.
“We intend to change that.”
Whatever happens, Ronaldinho believes Wednesday’s contest will not be for the faint hearted.
“Without a doubt this is going to be a great game,” he said.
