Ronaldinho dazzles despite abuse from opposing fans
July 2nd, 2012 - 7:50 pm ICT by IANS
Rio de Janeiro, July 2 (IANS) Ronaldinho’s Atletico Mineiro moved to the top of Brazil’s Serie A championship after an emotion-charged 1-0 away victory over Gremio.
The two-time FIFA World Player of the Year was the target of constant abuse from fans of his former club, where he played from 1998 to 2001 before moving to Europe, reported Xinhua.
Despite the cold reception at the Olimpico Stadium, the former Barcelona and AC Milan star continued his impressive form with an array of trademark dribbles and deft one-touch passes.
The winning goal came from the boot of striker Jo, who connected with Bernard’s 25th-minute cross before firing past goalkeeper Marcelo Grohe Sunday.
Ronaldinho’s teammate Leandro Donizete criticized Gremio fans for their treatment of the 2002 World Cup winner during the match.
“The abuse didn’t stop throughout the entire match and it upset him,” Donizete said. We dedicate the victory to him today.”
After the match, an emotional Ronaldinho is reported to have shouted in the players’ tunnel, within earshot of his former team’s dressing room, “It seems strangely quiet here now, doesn’t it?”
Atletico are now the championship leader with 16 points from seven games, the same as Vasco da Gama but with a superior goal difference.
Gremio, coached by former Real Madrid and Brazil manager Vanderlei Luxemburgo, are in fifth place with 12 points from seven games.
- Ronaldinho's Atletico Mineiro return to top of Brazil's Serie A - Aug 10, 2012
- Injured Gremio goalkeeper Grohe to miss crucial game - Apr 29, 2012
- Ronaldinho scores in Atletico's 4-1 victory - Jul 22, 2012
- Ronaldinho rediscovers magic in debut for new club - Jun 10, 2012
- Ronaldinho's Atletico falters, Vasco stays top - Jun 18, 2012
- Ronaldinho goal earns draw for Atletico - Aug 27, 2012
- Former Real Madrid coach leads Gremio into top four - Jun 25, 2012
- Fred keeps Fluminense on top - Sep 10, 2012
- Ronaldinho ready to face former Milan teammate Seedorf - Aug 18, 2012
- Ronaldinho scores first goal for Atletico Mineiro - Jun 24, 2012
- Gremio grab 4-1 win in state championship - Mar 19, 2012
- Gremio eliminated from Brazilian state championship - Feb 27, 2012
- Former Man City midfielder Elano praises teammates - Jul 25, 2012
- Ronaldinho signs up with Atletico Mineiro - Jun 05, 2012
- Neymar ensures Santos victory over Flamengo - Sep 13, 2012
Tags: ac milan, atletico mineiro, championship leader, cold reception, dribbles, earshot, entire match, former team, goal difference, grohe, real madrid, rio de janeiro, ronaldinho, seven games, target, vanderlei luxemburgo, vasco da gama, world cup winner, world player of the year, xinhua