Ronaldinho is someone that knows both Paris Saint-Germain and AC Milan well having spent time with each club, and he has had his say ahead of tonight’s game.
Ronaldinho spoke during an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport that was published this morning in view of tonight’s fixture at the Parc des Princes and he spoke about a number of topics, starting with what kind of spectacle he expects.
“I expect a magnificent match and I hope to be able to be in the stadium, both for the first leg and the second leg. Because they are two clubs that I carry in my heart, two teams in which I played and two places where I was very happy, so in my evaluation I am moved by sentimental reasons,” he said.
“Having said that, there is also the technical aspect: two very great teams, full of history and with a brilliant present, with many magnificent players on both sides, for all these reasons I expect two super challenges.”
Milan have drawn 0-0 against Newcastle and Borussia Dortmund thus far, while the Parisians won 2-0 at home against Dortmund in the first group game but then got hammered 4-1 away against the Magpies. Who comes into the game better?
“Milan against Newcastle and Borussia Dortmund played two good games but didn’t find the goal, now they are forced to break the deadlock and it’s not easy to do so against PSG.
“After a complicated start due to the radical change in men, tactics and methodology resulting from the arrival of Luis Enrique, the French seem to be growing, but don’t ask me for a prediction, my heart is divided and it seems like a more than valid excuse to get out of embarrassment.”
Two of the keys to the game will be the performances of the respective left wingers Rafael Leao and Kylian Mbappe, and Ronaldinho sang the praises of both forwards.
“Leao is the right one to wear that number [10]. A player who ‘enchants’ me, and I add that my thoughts should be shared by all those who love football because Rafa’s way of playing makes everyone agree, it generates universal consensus based on spectacle. He can make the difference and I hope he plays a great match.
“Mbappe? Well, do you understand why I don’t want to say too much? Another champion who can decide the match how and when he wants, exactly like Leao. People who drag people to the stadium, who invite fans to spend to see their team live and neutrals to stay in front of the TV.”
In the return fixture, PSG will play in front of a sold out San Siro as the fans continue to show their support for the project that is being carried out.
“It’s normal. Milan are working very well, two years ago the Scudetto, then the Champions League semi-final, the results arrive and it generates enthusiasm and makes people go to the stadium,” Ronaldinho said.
“At Milan they must remain on this virtuous path to continue winning. Having said that I imagine a huge plant will be built and that I can understand the reasons for the change, I place myself among the nostalgic, and I think that there are many of us in this party. Certainly in the pile there are all those who played in that unique, incredible stadium.”
The Brazilian joined Milan in 2008 and spent three years at the club, making 95 appearances with 26 goals and 29 assists to his name.
“I arrived already with a lot of experience behind me. And I had a great time. With spectacular teammates: Kakà, Pato, Thiago Silva, Seedorf, Beckham, Shevchenko, Pirlo, Gattuso, Ambrosini, Inzaghi…
“And then Robinho and Ibrahimovic, a collection of stars. Two very different moments in my career but two fundamental stages in my life. I feel the scudetto won with the Rossoneri is mine even if I didn’t finish the season in Milan to return to Brazil.”
“A memory? From my Italian experience it’s easy, the goal in the derby: I had just arrived, it was my first goal in Serie A and it was decisive.”
