Brazilian great Ronaldinho on Neymar, Messi and his time at Barcelona

A truly mercurial talent, Ronaldinho achieved so much in a memorable career that took him from Paris Saint-Germain to Barcelona and onto AC Milan.

The Brazilian was blessed with outrageous skill, a sublime touch and the rare ability to beat an opposition with consummate ease.

One of the select few to earn a standing ovation from Real Madrid fans at the Bernabeu when playing for Barca, Ronaldinho was in Dubai to promote his academy at the Koora Dome in Al Wasl.

Here we speak to the 36-year-old about Brazil, his good friend Lionel Messi and his relationship with Pep Guardiola.

Ronaldinho on… how Neymar compares to other Brazilian greats
He is unquestionably our biggest star at the minute. His name is already in the history books and you can compare him with any of the greats that have played for Brazil.

Ronaldinho on… whether Brazil can win the 2018 World Cup
I hope so. Brazil are going through a transition period. The Olympics win was good for the confidence of the team and I believe that Neymar is a great leader of this team and I hope they can challenge.

Ronaldinho on…whether he regrets leaving Barcelona
No, I have no regrets. Of course I would have loved to have played more with Lionel Messi, but I am very glad that I was able to help with his career and get the assist for his very first goal. He has become such a great player but at that time my Barcelona career was coming to an end so the time had come to leave.

Ronaldinho on… if Messi can still win a World Cup
He is a great player and Argentina have a great team so there is definitely a chance that it will happen. But he doesn’t have to win the World Cup to show that he is the best in the world. He is the best every week, he shows that level time he plays so there is no real need for him to win the World Cup.

Ronaldinho on… whether Pep Guardiola will be a success at Manchester City
Pep is not only a great coach but a great friend. He has all the capabilities of leading Manchester City to lots of success.

Before the Brazilian great departed there was one last question. And it was one that he could answer in English and with the smile that adorned his face whenever he was on the pitch. Was it unfair that he was labelled a party animal. “No.”

From  7days.ae