Ronaldinho remembered his ‘great time’ at Milan and expected a ‘magnificent match’ between them and Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League.
The former Brazil star spent two years of his career in the French capital from 2001 to 2003 and two-and-a-half years with the Rossoneri from 2008 to 2011.
Milan are on the backfoot in the Champions League after drawing their opening two games against Newcastle United and Borussia Dortmund, so will be desperate to take home all three points in their clash with PSG.
Speaking on page 19 of today’s Gazzetta dello Sport, Ronaldinho first discussed his expectations for Milan’s European encounter with PSG.
“I expect a magnificent match and I hope to be able to be in the stadium, both for the first leg and the second leg. Because they are two clubs that I carry in my heart, two teams in which I played and two places where I was very happy.”
He touched on which team was in better form heading into the match.
“Milan against Newcastle and Borussia Dortmund played two good games but didn’t find the goal, now they are forced to break the deadlock and it’s not easy to do so against PSG.
“After a complicated start due to the radical change in players, tactics and methodology resulting from the arrival of Luis Enrique, the French seem to be growing, but don’t ask me for a prediction, my heart is divided, and it seems like a more than valid excuse to get out of embarrassment.”
The former Brazil star was asked if it was right for Rafael Leao to wear the number 10 shirt at Milan.
“They are the right shoulders to carry that number. A player who enchants me, and I add that my thoughts should be shared by all those who love football because Rafa’s way of playing makes everyone agree, it generates universal consensus based on entertainment.
“He can make the difference and I hope he plays a great match.”
He also spoke highly about Kylian Mbappe.
“Well, does he understand why I don’t want to say too much? Another champion who can decide the match how and when he wants, exactly like Leao. Players who drag people to the stadium, who invite fans to spend money to see their team live and neutrals to stay in front of the TV.”
Ronaldinho discussed the uptick in attendance at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza.
“It’s normal. Milan are working very well, two years ago the Scudetto, then the Champions League semi-final, the results arrive and it generates enthusiasm and makes people go to the stadium. At Milan they must remain on this virtuous path to continue winning.”
He gave his thoughts on Milan’s desire to leave San Siro to build a new stadium.
“Having said that I imagine a huge facility will be built and that I can understand the reasons for the change, I place myself among the nostalgic, and I think that there are many of us in this party. Certainly in the pile there are all those who played in that unique, incredible stadium.”
He remembered his time with Milan.
“I arrived already with a lot of experience behind me. And I had a great time. With spectacular teammates: Kakà, 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. I feel the Scudetto won with the Rossoneri is mine, even if I didn’t finish the season in Milan to return to Brazil.”
Finally, Ronaldinho gave his thoughts on coach Carlo Ancelotti.
“An excellent coach and a great person, very, very lovable. The fact that he is still there, year after year at the highest level, gives a measure of his immense size. Great seems to me to be the best word to describe him.”