Ronaldinho was a generational talent. He was someone who could get the whole stadium on their feet with a simple touch of a football. For many, he put the "beautiful" in the "beautiful game".
"Ronaldinho is total class – a very, very great player," Zinedine Zidane once said on the Brazil legend. "He is quick, powerful, and has extraordinary technical qualities."
"No one can compare to Ronaldinho," Paris Saint-Germain and Brazil star Neymar once said of his countryman. "I remember his plays, his dribbles. I remember him winning every title at the Camp Nou."
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It comes as no surprise that a Brazilian footballer, especially a winger, idolises Ronaldinho. If said winger can become even half as good as Ronaldinho was during his professional career, then they will have a great life in football.
Raphinha, who Chelsea are trying to sign, is one of many Brazilian footballers playing right now who are trying to replicate what Ronaldinho achieved during his 17-year career. Speaking to The Players' Tribune in August 2021, Raphinha opened up on his adoration of the Brazil legend and how he tries to model his game around him, as well as how he ended up at his birthday party when he was just seven.
"How you say? My dad was a musician in a samba band, and they were playing there," Raphinha said. "Ronaldinho was born in the community where I grew up, so my dad and uncles knew him.
"I always wanted to be like Ronaldinho. The things he did, the way he enjoyed every minute on the pitch... I was transfixed. I felt he gave everyone a promise when he played: Give me the ball and I will make you smile.
"This party was when he had just started playing for Barcelona, I think. I remember turning up at this huge house and seeing him stand at the front door, welcoming everybody and giving out hugs. That smile, man. You know the smile.
"When he saw me, he took me in his arms and walked around with me. I froze. Didn't know how to react. But his charm can melt even the coolest little kid. He treats everybody so well, even the small ones. I'm pretty sure that was the best birthday party I ever went to that wasn't my own."
Raphinha added: "I have met Ronaldinho many times since then, and I feel blessed to consider him a friend. I get even more starstruck now than when I was a kid! It feels unreal to hang out with the guy you used to watch on YouTube and the TV. He even watches my games and says that he admires the way I play. I mean, how do you even respond to that?"
Raphinha to Chelsea
A source told football.london on Tuesday evening that Chelsea had agreed a £55million fee with Leeds United for the 25-year-old, with the price possibly ending up nearer to the £65m mark. Personal terms still need to be agreed with the Brazilian, but it is understood he is open to moving to Stamford Bridge.
Barcelona remain interested in Raphinha, however, and could try to hijack Chelsea's deal at the last minute. The financial troubles with the La Liga club, though, make striking such a deal problematic.
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