Source: Daily_Mail
Ronaldinho finally returns to his big screen role after some awful B movies
Half an hour before kick-off at the San Siro last night, the stadium's big screen showed a short montage of some of the Brazilian Ronaldinho's finer moments in a Milan shirt. It is still a relatively short list, but this season it has been growing.[LNB]What a star: Ronaldinho celebrates his goal against United[LNB]The World Player of the Year just five years ago, Ronaldinho's descent from the top of the game to a place among the supporting cast has been alarming. [LNB]Discarded 18 months ago by Barcelona after the Spanish club tired of his relentless pursuit of excitement away from the field, his early days at Milan were modest to say the least.[LNB]Last night, though, Ronaldinho began his team's match against Manchester United as Milan's top scorer. Nobody has bettered his appearance total of 27 either. He was, from the very start of the game, superb.[LNB]Whether his recent rejuvenation is due to his own enduring powers or indicative of falling standards in Italian football is hard to know. Last night's evidence appeared to point to the former.[LNB]United almost signed Ronaldinho back in 2003, of course. Last night he reminded them why. Having lost some of the weight that he carried towards the end of his time at the Nou Camp, he still looks the same. Here, his football was instantly recognisable too.[LNB]When Sir Alex Ferguson told of Milan's experience and know-how in the run up to this fixture, it was players such as Ronaldinho that he had in mind. Within three minutes of the start he was proved right as the South American scored.[LNB]Last night, playing on the left side of Milan's three-man attacking formation, Ronaldinho had the dual responsibility of troubling United's right-back Rafael and also helping Massimo Ambrosini and Luca Antonioni contain the threat of the rejuvenated Nani.[LNB] Put it there: David Beckham and Ronaldinho celebrate Milan's opening goal[LNB]It has been a failure to understand his more prosaic responsibilities that have undermined his standing in the game in recent years. As his ability to win games single-handedly has waned and as he has lost some of his pace over short distances, Ronaldinho has been forced to confront the reality of life as a team player. Too often he has failed.[LNB]In Italy, though, they have talked this season of improvement, of greater understanding. Last night he continued on this upward trajectory.[LNB]Artists at work: Ronaldinho prepares to leave Rafael for dead again[LNB]His first touch, in the opening minute, was to drag the ball away from Rafael with trademark flamboyance. His second was to volley the opening goal past Edwin van der Sar with his right foot.[LNB]Shortly after Ronaldinho almost scored again, a right foot shot bringing a low save from Van der Sar. Then he played in Klaas Jan Huntelaar for a chance the Dutchman should have taken.[LNB]In the 40th minute he troubled Van der Sar again. In between a typically irrepressible run could have resulted in a penalty and a red card for Rio Ferdinand. Ronaldinho - as has been the case over the years - expressed his dismay at the referee's failure to see the trip with the widest of toothy smiles. [LNB]Just before half-time he back heeled a pass to Ambrosini, a move that belonged in one of his famous Nike adverts. It was terrific stuff, a typically effervescent Ronaldinho display. As Milan threatened to overrun United in the first half, he was magnificent.[LNB]In the second period, his influence decreased a little. There were moments when his body language wasn't the best. But he still set-up Clarence Seedorf to score with a perfect low cross five minutes from time. On the big occasion, a big name player was at the heart of it throughout.[LNB]It is remarkable - given how long we seem to have admired him - that Ronaldinho is only 29. He could, in theory at least, have two more World Cups left in him, even if at home in Brazil his reputation is taking longer to repair.[LNB]He remains immensely popular. More so, for example, than younger players such as Robinho. National coach Dunga, however, is proving harder to impress.[LNB] What do you mean, no penalty? Ronaldinho is aghast...[LNB]One of his country's few pragmatic thinkers, Dunga is suspicious of Ronaldinho, both of his football and his approach. He has not played for his country since November 2007.[LNB]Brazilian icon Pele and even the country's president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva have called for Ronaldinho to be included in the World Cup squad this summer but those close to Dunga suggest the door is all but closed, even if Ronaldinho was seemingly offered hope in December.[LNB]Dunga said: 'Recently I have seen him fighting, running, chasing after opponents.[LNB]'These are positive signs. Let's hope he keeps it up, remembering that in football the past doesn't count, only the present.'[LNB]Last night the present - it must be said - was rather impressive.[LNB] AC Milan 2 Manchester United 3: Wayne Rooney looks a world-beater as striker puts United in command after lucky Paul Scholes strike wrong-foots MilanRooney was 'exploited' as teenager, claims PFA chief Taylor in courtAston Villa boss O'Neill throws weight behind Champions League play-offsMANCHESTER UNITED FC
