Flamengo fans greet Ronaldinho debut
Your support helps us to tell the story
As your White House correspondent, I ask the tough questions and seek the answers that matter.
Your support enables me to be in the room, pressing for transparency and accountability. Without your contributions, we wouldn't have the resources to challenge those in power.
Your donation makes it possible for us to keep doing this important work, keeping you informed every step of the way to the November election
Andrew Feinberg
White House Correspondent
Over 40,000 Flamengo fans packed the Enganhao stadium yesterday to greet Ronaldinho on his debut for the club with a mosaic that said "Welcome R10."
In his first match for a Brazilian club for 10 years, Ronaldinho led Brazil's most popular team out as their new captain for a Carioca (Rio) state championship match against Nova Iguacu that Flamengo won 1-0.
Ronaldinho, twice FIFA World Player of the Year in his prime at Barcelona in the mid-2000s, brought a save from visiting goalkeeper Diogo Silva with a free kick and was part of some slick moves.
Nova Iguacu proved tough opponents, though, and Flamengo had to wait until four minutes from time to score through substitute Wanderley.
"After so long without playing, I need to get rhythm, adapt to my team mates whom I have never played with," Ronaldinho told reporters. "I have nothing but thanks for my team mates who received me with open arms and these marvelous fans.
"It's one of the happiest days of my life," the 30-year-old added amid the party atmosphere in the ground where Rio's major matches are being played while the Maracana undergoes 2014 World Cup refurbishments.
The former Barcelona and AC Milan midfielder signed with Flamengo last month to and rediscover his best form at home with an eye on a place in Brazil coach Mano Menezes's 2014 World Cup side.
Ronaldinho, who began his career in southern Brazil with Gremio before a first European move to Paris St Germain, won the World Cup with Brazil in 2002 and also played at the 2006 finals but was overlooked for last year's tournament in South Africa due to his indifferent form at Milan.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments