
Jefferson blunt on McCarthy with Kyler a Viking
Justin Jefferson discusses the Vikings' QB competition between J.J. McCarthy and Kyler Murray.
Ronaldinho reflects on his impactful Barcelona career and discusses current players Lamine and Raphinha, expressing admiration for them.
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Ronaldinho talks Barcelona stint, Ballon dāOr, Lamine, Raphinha ā āOne of his biggest fansā
Few players have left as lasting an impression on Barcelona as Ronaldinho, who is regarded as one of the most gifted players to grace a football pitch in the 21st century.
Speaking to France Football (h/t Mundo Deportivo). the 2005 Ballon dāOr winner opened up about his years at the Camp Nou, the players who excite him in the current squad, and the moment he knew his time in Catalonia was going to be something special.
Ronaldinhoās first goal for Barcelona came in the most unusual of circumstances. The match against Sevilla kicked off at 00:05 on September 3, 2003.
It was a legal workaround at the time that allowed him to feature before departing with the Brazilian national team. The club handed out gazpacho, sausages and chocolate to entice 80,000 fans to the stadium in the early hours.
āI always joke that it was my moment!ā he laughed, referencing both the late kick-off and his well-known reputation as a night owl. āFrom that first day, I knew something big was happening.ā
Barcelona ended a prolonged title drought with Ronaldinho at the heart of everything, his joy and brilliance lifting the entire club.
Ronaldinho shared insights about his memorable years at Barcelona, highlighting the special moments he experienced.
Lamine and Raphinha are current Barcelona players whom Ronaldinho admires, calling himself one of Raphinha's biggest fans.
Ronaldinho won the Ballon d'Or in 2005, marking him as one of the top players of his era and enhancing his legacy at Barcelona.

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Ronaldinho is a huge fan of Raphinha. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
āI experienced magical moments in Barcelona. I won extraordinary trophies with great players by my side. It was a wonderful time,ā he said.
āIt was a dream come true. I have no words to describe the emotion I felt at that moment and everything it meant to me,ā he added.
Turning to the current Barcelona squad, Ronaldinho singled out two players for special praise.
āLamine Yamal is only at the beginning of a career that has started very strong, he is capable of making incredible plays, and I hope he continues to delight us,ā he said.
The Brazilian football legend also heaped praise on his compatriot Raphinha, even admitting that he is a huge fan of the former Leeds United star.
āI have known him since childhood; he is from the same city, I consider myself a friend of his father and I am one of his biggest fans,ā he concluded.