RONALNDINHO
F.C. BARCELONA

After a long, protracted negotiation period, Ronaldinho moved to Barca after being courted by the likes of Manchester United and Real Madrid. He's repaid the faith by leading Barcelona back among Europe's top sides with displays that have led to him being named World Player of the Year.

Ronaldinho's stock is definitely on the rise after his performance at the 2002 World Cup. Forget the goal that won it for Brazil against England, what was even more impressive was his annilhation of Ashley Cole in setting up the tying goal.

Ronaldinho first came to consciousness as a talented, goal scoring phenom with Brazillian side Gremio. Though his name was similar to the famed World Player of the Year, he showed that he had his own game. He put his skills on display internationally at the 1999 Copa America and Confederations Cup and at the 2000 Olympics.

Paris Saint-Germain had seen enough and signed the new star. Though PSG did not win a Ligue 1 title, Ronaldinho continued to demonstrate his superior skills.

Even before his contract was up with PSG he began to express his desire to test his skills in another league, first in Italy with AS Roma then in England with Manchester United who made a bid for the midfielder. However, it was Barcelona that splashed out the most money and Ronaldinho secured a move to a team he said that he always dreamed of playing for.

Best player on the planet on any given day.

PHOTOS

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Ronaldinho now stars for FC Barcelona.
(AP)

Ronaldinho: Legend in the making

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