Ronaldinho sets his sights on goal
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
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AC Milan's Ronaldinho is hoping to play a starring role when Real Madrid CF visit San Siro on Tuesday, saying: "I've been delivering many assists in recent games but this time I want to score myself."
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Ronaldinho has not made the best of starts to the season for AC Milan but there is no questioning his motivation as Real Madrid CF gear up to visit San Siro on Tuesday.
Goalscoring aim
The Rossoneri's 3-2 win in Madrid a fortnight ago lifted them to the top of UEFA Champions League Group C and a repeat success on home soil would take Leonardo's troops a giant stride closer to the first knockout round. Having spent five seasons with Madrid's eternal rivals FC Barcelona, Ronaldinho wants to shine in this match almost more than any other. "I have been delivering many assists in recent games but this time I want to score," he said.
Expectations high
The 29-year-old is no stranger to scintillating performances against Los Merengues and received a standing ovation from the Santiago Bernabéu faithful when he inspired Barça to a superb 3-0 win in the Spanish capital in November 2005. "I expect to experience another wonderful night tomorrow and I also expect a great game from my team-mates," explained the Brazilian. "I am happy at the moment and I want to thank Leonardo for his trust in me. I want to do my best for the team tomorrow."
'Amazing' Madrid
Leonardo's side are indeed on a high, with a recent good spell of Serie A form combining with their win in Madrid, but having lost their only home group game so far to FC Zürich, Milan cannot afford to take anything for granted. "We can't deny that Madrid are a strong team, with amazing players," Ronaldinho added. "I don't want to say it will be a tough game; I prefer to say it will be a great game."
Leonardo praise
On Saturday, Ronaldinho twice set up Marco Borriello to score in the 2-0 win against Parma FC that took Milan fourth in Serie A, and Leonardo dubbed him one of the ten best players of all time. "I am happy now," said the former Paris Saint-Germain FC forward. "I've had some time to concentrate on my work, I've worked hard and now I'm enjoying the results of it. The coach is also helping me out a lot and now everything comes easily when I am on the pitch, which didn't happen just a few weeks ago."