End of an era for Barcelona On a day when Barcelona spent �11.8m on new signing Alex Hleb, a visit to their official website on Wednesday might have left you thinking the Spanish giants were a club in mourning. Splashed across the front page alongside two pictures of a proud and grinning Ronaldinho sporting Barca colours were the headlines 'Five unforgettable years' and 'Thank you very much'. Ronaldinho, a Barcelona icon and the trigger for some of the most memorable times in the club's modern history, was finalising his move to AC Milan. For all the Brazilian's troubles over the past two years, one of the world's great teams was saying farewell to one of the greatest players in its history. As Ronaldinho flew to Italy to complete his protracted transfer, you could be forgiven for thinking that a part of the Catalan club had died. I know that seems strong. There was a Barcelona before Ronaldinho and there will be a Barcelona at the top of European football after Ronaldinho. But it is worth remembering just what the 28-year-old with magic in his feet and a captivating smile achieved during his extraordinary time at the Nou Camp. When he arrived in 2003, he was the second choice of new president Joan Laporta, who had been comprehensively outmanoeuvred by Real Madrid in the battle to sign David Beckham. With Beckham joining their fierce rivals, Barca quickly turned their attentions to PSG's controversial forward and they beat Manchester United to his signature. Barca had only just scraped into the Uefa Cup having finished sixth in 2003 and turned to new manager Frank Rijkaard and the maverick Ronaldinho to turn around their fortunes. And how. With his brilliant Brazilian as the catalyst, Rijkaard presided over one of the most successful spells in the Blaugrana's history. They did it playing a brand of football that relied on pace, passing and counter-attacking and Barca, at a time when beautiful football was becoming increasingly hard to find, were a joy to watch. Ronaldinho became not only the team's talisman, but the dominant presence in a city that took him to its heart. A second-placed finish in La Liga was followed by back-to-back titles and then the crowning glory of the team which included the likes of Deco and Samuel Eto'o - their Champions League triumph in 2006. For Ronaldinho, his personal zenith took place in the cauldron of hate reserved for Barcelona footballers that is Real Madrid's Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, on the night of EL Clasico on 19 November, 2005. For 90 minutes, Ronaldinho toyed with Real as he inspired his team to a 3-0 victory and scored two sensational solo goals - the second of which earned a standing ovation from fans of the Madrid club. It was the first time a Barcelona player had been treated with such respect in the Bernabeu since a performance from a certain Diego Armando Maradona in 1982. "I never thought I would see this, now I can die a happy man," said Radio Catalunya commentator Joaquim Maria Puyal at the time. Going into the 2006 World Cup, Ronaldinho was by far and away the best footballer in the world. Since then, the former Cruzeiro playmaker has struggled with form and fitness and the speed of his decline meant he was left on the Barca bench several times last season even when fully fit. More worryingly, his desire to even continue playing the game was brought into question - to the extent that there were rumours he was considering retiring from football earlier on this year. But in joining AC Milan, Ronaldinho has given himself the best possible chance of reigniting his career and proving he still has the mental fortitude to play at the highest level. His move has been called a gamble for the Italians and in many ways, two years since he showcased anything like his genius best form, it is. However, if the Rossoneri get him firing on all cylinders, they have just signed a player who two years ago was seriously threatening to gatecrash Pele, Maradona et al as one of the greats of the game. Fans of football across the globe will be wishing Ronaldinho luck as he seeks to get his career back on track. On a Premier League note, it also means Manchester City, who were desperate to sign Ronaldinho but were realistically never going to get close, have a spare �25m to spend. As well as further clouding the future of Arsenal striker Emmanuel Adebayor, as Milan will not now be making a move for the Togo hitman.
I bet on Villarreal putting up a good fight with Real Madrid. No doubt about that, they have done a lot of fantastic work this summer.
If Fabiano stays at Sevilla They are my Darkhorse to win it. Sad news really 'Dinhos worth that money in advertising ten fold.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Max @ Jul 17 2008, 09:38 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>If Fabiano stays at Sevilla They are my Darkhorse to win it.</div> I'm not sure about Sevilla as they just lost the best fullback in the World and a great defensive midfielder among others. Honestly, I just hope they don't have one of those disastrous seasons like back in 1996-97 when they were targeted as top five hopefuls and ended up being relegated; this is similar to what happened to Real Zaragoza this past season. Sevilla are still lucky to have Adriano, Luís Fabiano, Jesús Navas and Fredi Kanouté this summer, but the transfer season isn't nearly over and two or three of those players could be out the door by the end of August. In any case, I'd watch out for a re-surge from Osasuna with their new signings and loans.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (M Two One @ Jul 17 2008, 10:49 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Max @ Jul 17 2008, 09:38 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>If Fabiano stays at Sevilla They are my Darkhorse to win it.</div> I'm not sure about Sevilla as they just lost the best fullback in the World and a great defensive midfielder among others. Honestly, I just hope they don't have one of those disastrous seasons like back in 1996-97 when they were targeted as top five hopefuls and ended up being relegated; this is similar to what happened to Real Zaragoza this past season. Sevilla are still lucky to have Adriano, Luís Fabiano, Jesús Navas and Fredi Kanouté this summer, but the transfer season isn't nearly over and two or three of those players could be out the door by the end of August. In any case, I'd watch out for a re-surge from Osasuna with their new signings and loans. </div> Also losing Ramos to the Spurs was a big subtraction for the team. I've always liked Sevilla but I don't see them winning La Liga with Real having the team that they currently have.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (CelticKing @ Jul 17 2008, 10:00 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Also losing Ramos to the Spurs was a big subtraction for the team. I've always liked Sevilla but I don't see them winning La Liga with Real having the team that they currently have.</div> Agreed about Ramos, but Real Madrid will have difficulties this season. I'm not going to make predictions considering that the Summer transfer window is still open and has plenty of time before it shuts, but as of right now I'd say this is looking like the top five. 1. Villarreal 2. Real Madrid 3. Atlético Madrid 4. Barcelona 5. Racing Santander Don't forget about Atlético Madrid. They've made the most noise this off-season in Spain.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (M Two One @ Jul 17 2008, 11:08 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (CelticKing @ Jul 17 2008, 10:00 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Also losing Ramos to the Spurs was a big subtraction for the team. I've always liked Sevilla but I don't see them winning La Liga with Real having the team that they currently have.</div> Agreed about Ramos, but Real Madrid will have difficulties this season. I'm not going to make predictions considering that the Summer transfer window is still open and has plenty of time before it shuts, but as of right now I'd say this is looking like the top five. 1. Villarreal 2. Real Madrid 3. Atlético Madrid 4. Barcelona 5. Racing Santander Don't forget about Atlético Madrid. They've made the most noise this off-season in Spain. </div> You're right M21, we'll wait till the transfer window closes than we'll do predictions for each league. That will be fun. So are you at home now? Is the internet and tv working?
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (CelticKing @ Jul 17 2008, 10:12 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>You're right M21, we'll wait till the transfer window closes than we'll do predictions for each league. That will be fun. So are you at home now? Is the internet and tv working?</div> Nope, I'm at the library and about to leave actually as I only have one hour to kill. No phone or television at home, but I've been watching the Tour de France at my uncle's place the past few days.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (M Two One @ Jul 17 2008, 11:14 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (CelticKing @ Jul 17 2008, 10:12 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>You're right M21, we'll wait till the transfer window closes than we'll do predictions for each league. That will be fun. So are you at home now? Is the internet and tv working?</div> Nope, I'm at the library and about to leave actually as I only have one hour to kill. No phone or television at home, but I've been watching the Tour de France at my uncle's place the past few days. </div> Damn man, so still they haven't fixed them?
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (CelticKing @ Jul 17 2008, 10:15 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Damn man, so still they haven't fixed them?</div> Nope, but the owner of the building returns today. I hope to everything fixed by Monday at the latest. I also want her to pay a month's worth of bills for the phone, television and internet. She'll have to anyway. Anyway, I'll see you all later. I can't wait to get back!
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (M Two One @ Jul 17 2008, 11:18 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (CelticKing @ Jul 17 2008, 10:15 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Damn man, so still they haven't fixed them?</div> Nope, but the owner of the building returns today. I hope to everything fixed by Monday at the latest. I also want her to pay a month's worth of bills for the phone, television and internet. She'll have to anyway. Anyway, I'll see you all later. I can't wait to get back! </div> Yeah man hopefully you're back by Monday. We miss you around here. (especially in the futbol forums)
Barca was a spotlight for ronnie as he wasn't noticed that much at PSG as they wern't a fantastic team. But this season I want Athletico to win, mainly because Aguero is my fav player in football. To be honest with or without ronnie barca will be in close compeition with Real Not Doubt about that.
Call me crazy, but I think a lot of these moves are good for Barcelona. There is simply too much attack talent playing for the club and not enough defense. Sounds like...the Galacticos, doesn't it? I don't think Barcelona will win this year, but I think they're on their way to winning soon.
They still got Messi and Bojan, which is good for them. But I agree, they need to build up on defense.
They'll probably go Dani Alves, Carles Puyol, Gabby Milito, and Eric Abidal from right to left. Though Pique, Caceres, and Rafa Marquez could compete for time as well.
