Is UAE the last bet for Ronaldinho?
If the reports are to be believed this week then former World Player of the Year Ronaldinho is interested in a move to the UAE.
By Jon Rhodes, Deputy Sports Editor
Published: 00:00 September 18, 2010
If the reports are to be believed this week then former World Player of the Year Ronaldinho is interested in a move to the UAE.
The Brazilian star is understood to be in a wage dispute with AC Milan and according to close friend, journalist Cristina Cubero, is "attracted" by a move to the emirates. If there is any truth to the revelation it would be a major coup for the UAE Professional League, eclipsing the arrival of Italian World Cup winner Fabio Cannavaro.
For the Brazilian, however, it would represent a shuddering fall from grace for a player who was rightly regarded as the brightest light of his generation.
This was the player remember who was given a standing ovation by Real Madrid fans following a sublime performance for Barcelona in 2005. It's also the same player who formed part of that deadly attacking trimunitive alongside Ronaldo and Rivaldo at the 2002 World Cup for Brazil.
The truth, however, is that the attacking midfielder has only shown glimpses of that form since his arrival at the San Siro.
Add to the mix, concerns about his ability to thrive in a team containing newly arrived compatriot Robinho, and the fact is that at the tender age of 30, the playmaker is looking increasingly surplus to requirements in Milan.
Fading star
His fall from grace is a sobering reminder to the young stars of today, considering most commentators attribute his decline to a love of the party life — especially at Barcelona.
It was hoped his move to Milan would allow him to reinvigorate his career but that has simply not happened, and now the chances of a major European power taking a punt on his fading star look increasingly slim.
So what does the future hold for the Brazilian? He could return to Brazil and follow in the footsteps of that other Brazilian legend Ronaldo. There have also been rumours that he may eye a new start in the America's MLS, although one last big pay day in the Middle East may be hard to resist.
He would undoubtedly be a big draw in the UAE and his arrival would be another statement of intent from the fledgling league.
But for those of us who remember his mesmerising performances for both Barcelona and Brazil, it would signal an acceptance that his best days are well and truly behind him and that the end of a once great talent is on the horizon.
http://gulfnews.com/sport/football/is-uae-the-last-bet-for-ronaldinho-1.683522