Internet Desk: Brazilian legend Ronaldinho Gaucho has been finally revealed the honour as the new club ambassador for Spanish giant FC Barcelona, almost a decade later from leaving the Spanish club as one of the most respected and successful players.
The legendary Brazilian enlightened up the Nou Camp football stadium at the height of his playing career, and he has now returned to take up a new role to promote the club across the globe.
The 2002 FIFA World Cup winning hero, who enjoyed five years stint with a lot of success between 2003 and 2008, is delighted to have been offered the opportunity to work in an official capacity once more for the La Liga giants.
‘I’m very happy,’ said Ronaldinho. ‘Very few people have the opportunity to say they are a Barcelona ambassador.
‘I’ve missed everything. I spent a lot of time here. I left a lot of friends here, and I haven’t been back to the Nou Camp until now.
‘To be back here in an official capacity, the same when I was as a player, people didn’t really associate my name with Barca but I’ve always felt like an ambassador.
‘I will continue to take the name of Barca around the world and it will be great to wear the shirt again. Together with my team-mates, we helped put together a great part of the club’s history and thanks to God, things turned out well.’
Ronaldinho won the Champions League and two La Liga titles under Frank Rijkaard before Pep Guardiola opted to sacrifice the forward in order to make Lionel Messi the central focus of his team.
But the 36-year-old has now returned to Catalonia, officially unveiled at the Nou Camp on Friday by Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu.
Ronaldinho continued a proud tradition of Brazilians to wear the red and blue of Barcelona, following in the footsteps of Romario, Ronaldo and Rivaldo – and he spoke glowingly of the current incumbent of the No 11 shirt.
‘Neymar is a phenomenon,’ Ronaldinho added. ‘He is the biggest thing in Brazilian football at present, he’s a good friend of mine, and one of the best players in the world.
‘It is a pride to see a Brazilian making history. I think he’ll be here for a long time and will become the best player in the world.’