While one can undeniably debate whether Ronaldinho deserves a place in the list of absolute GOATS that football has seen, even his haters wouldn't be able to refuse that fact the Brazilian was one of the most entertaining players in football history.
Whether it was his exquisite dribbling skills, usage of various flashy skills, or his magnificent free-kick taking technique, Ronaldinho was simply a treat to the eyes for both hardcore and casual viewers of The Beautiful Game.
We will be looking back at the Brazilian's final chapter in European football in this article, as we rewind the years to Ronaldinho's time at AC Milan.
From Spain to Italy
After a glorious 5 years at Barcelona, Ronaldinho decided that it was time for a new chapter in his career. In July 2008, Manchester City had offered a £25.5 million fee and £200,000 per week on offer for Ronaldinho, who turned it down. This led to AC Milan making a €22.05 million bid for the player, with Ronaldinho finally making a decision on jumping ship to Italy. A 3 year contract was thus signed, as the Brazilian midfielder was off to Milan.
Debut season
Ronaldinho took the number 80 jersey at Milan, as his preferred 10 jersey was already taken by teammate Clarence Seedorf. The Brazilian's debut goal for Milan couldn't have come against a better opponent, as Ronaldinho's first goal for Milan handed them a 1-0 victory over rivals Inter. Another highlight moment came in Europe, as the Brazilian magician scored a 93rd-minute match-winner against Braga in the UEFA Cup group stage on 6 November.
He managed to finish the 2008–09 season at Milan with 10 goals from 32 appearances in all competitions. Despite the bright start to life at Milan, it was overall a disappointing season for Ronaldinho.The attacking midfielder's fitness struggles meant that he couldn't start several matches, and was often played from the bench.
A lack of proper commitment to training and his late night partying were said to be the primary causes for the fitness issues, with Ronaldinho receiving criticism for his lifestyle at the time.
The 2009-10 season
Ronaldinho did not start the 2009-10 season on a good note, but he eventually rediscovered his form and established himself as Milan's best player that season.
Newly appointed manager Leonardo changed his role from central attacking midfielder to left side of midfield, with Alexandre Pato on the right in an offensive 4–3–3 formation.
One of his memorable performances that season came on 10th January 2010, as Ronaldinho scored a brace in Milan's 3-0 thumping of Juventus. Just a week later, the Brazilian scored his first hat-trick for Milan against Siena. The Brazilian's form at times reminded several fans of his peak years when he was truly unstoppable.
AC Milan had faced Barcelona in the Champions League that year, and Ronaldinho scored in that match as well. Despite his best efforts, the Blaugrana were able to beat the Italians 3-2 with a goal from Paul Scholes and a brace from Wayne Rooney.
Ronaldinho ended that season as the assists leader of Serie A, although he was underwhelming when it came to penalties as he missed 3 that season. He ended his second season with Milan after scoring a brace against Juventus in the final match of the season.
Milan ended up winning the game 3-0, in what was manager Leonardo's final game in charge.
Departure
After playing for half of the 2010–11 season, Ronaldinho eventually decided to leave AC Milan and join Brazilian side Flamengo.
His final season at Flamengo saw him form an attacking trio with Zlatan Ibrahimović and fellow Brazilian Robinho.
While his departure from Milan came all of a sudden, the club managed to end that season as Serie A champions. Ronaldinho also won a winner's medal for his contributions in the first half of the season.
Ronaldinho's time at Milan might not have been the most successful one, but it was a magical 3 years that will be fondly looked back on by the Milan fans.
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