105
Ronaldinho has finally spoken out about his close relationship with former Barcelona team-mate Lionel Messi during his time at the club, MySportDab reports.
The Brazil legend often recognised as one of the best footballers of all time, played with Messi for five years between 2003 and 2008 at Barcelona.
Ronaldinho and Messi formed an exciting partnership which also helped Barcelona win several trophies, including two La Ligas and the Champions League.
MySportDab can confirm Ronaldinho did quit Barcelona after 2008 to join Serie A club AC Milan.
The 39-year-old, who retired from footba in 2015, has revealed that he and Messi formed a bond nearly immediately.
‘When I got to Barcelona, there were talks about a kid who stood out,’ Ronaldinho told Panenka magazine.
‘Then we became friends, started playing together and got on very well. He arrived as someone different to all the others and we spoke with Frank Rijkaard.
‘I was lucky enough to provide the pass for his first goal. Over time, it is nice to see someone who starts out very close to you and then conquers the world.’
Ronaldinho further revealed that their chemistry grew over time and praised the Argentine Ballon d’Or winner for his behavior, professionalism on and off the the pitch.
He added: ‘We were very close. We learned alot, he taught me Spanish and I taught him Portuguese, but with the ball we understood each other very well.
‘I’d be left amazed by how cool he is. That’s something I love about him, he never gets into arguments or trouble, he’s always with his family and people closest to him. Leo has everything, he never needed anything from me.’