Recalling Ronaldinho’s AC Milan last stand, when he made us smile again

In the eyes of many, Ronaldinho peaked at Barcelona before steadily going downhill after leaving, but that’s not entirely accurate.

It’s true that the five years that the Brazilian spent at Camp Nou were the best of his career.

For much of that period, he was widely considered to be the best player on the planet, winning one Ballon d’Or and two FIFA World Player of the Year awards.

It’s also true that he never performed at such a level again after crossing the Mediterranean to ply his trade for AC Milan.

However, in his final full season with the Rossoneri, he wasn’t worlds away from his glory days.

Ahead of his second campaign in Italy, most believed that Ronaldinho’s days as a top player were at an end.

With questions growing and growing over his attitude and fitness during his final years at Barcelona, Carlo Ancelotti’s decision to sign him had raised many an eyebrow, and the Brazilian did little in his first season there to lower them.

While there were glimpses of his unquestionable talent, there were more stories in the press about what he did off the pitch than what he did on it as he was repeatedly seen enjoying Milan’s nightlife.

By the end of the campaign, Ancelotti himself had lost faith, not starting him in any of the final 14 league games. So it was a blessing in disguise for Ronaldinho when the Italian left for Chelsea and was replaced by his former Brazil team-mate Leonardo.

If the new boss was going to be successful, his compatriot would have to step up. Star player Kaka had been lost to Real Madrid and a replacement wasn’t signed, meaning it would fall to Ronaldinho to fill the enormous void he left.

• • • •

READ: A tribute to Kaka, the ‘rare piece of talent’ who belonged to Jesus

• • • •

“I think they