The who’s who of the footballing world paid tribute to the 37-year-old Brazilian!
Former AC Milan footballer Ronaldinho (Photo: AFP)
Having played for the likes of Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona and AC Milan, among others, Brazilian footballing icon Ronaldinho called time on a stupendous career on Wednesday and some of the biggest names from the beautiful game paid tribute to the 37-year-old.
Kaka, the last player to win the Ballon d’Or before Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo began their decade-long domination of world football, posted:
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The recently-retired Kaka’s post, after translation, reads: It was a pleasure to see you play, a privilege to play beside you and an honour to win titles together. Much success in the next stage of your life my partner!”
Liverpool icon Steven Gerrard, a player who enjoyed great midfield battles against Ronaldinho, had this to say on the 37-year-old:
Pele, widely regarded as the best footballer ever, penned:
AC Milan legend Paolo Maldini, who stayed at the San Siro for the entirety of his career, posted:
Maldini’s translated tribute reads, “Those who love football may not have dreamt watching you play, today officials stops one of the most technical and fun players ever. It was a pleasure to play first against and then along with you, thanks for everything Ronaldinho.”
Chelsea icon and current Aston Villa player John Terry, against whom Ronaldinho scored that famous goal at Stamford Bridge, effused:
Former midfield maestro Andrea Pirlo, a teammate of Ronaldinho’s during their AC Milan days, penned:
Pirlo’s post, after translation, reads: ” One of the best. Thanks Ronny, it was a pleasure playing with you!”
Current Chelsea winger Willian’s post:
When translated, the Brazilian wide-man’s post reads as “My idol, I didn’t have the privilege of playing beside you. But watching you play made me glad, for me you will always be the best of all time.”
Philippe Coutinho, fresh off a €160 million move from Liverpool to Barcelona, expressed:
The twinkle-toed midfielder’s post, after translation, reads: Thank you idol for having us and delighted with your genius! All of us football fans will miss you so much.”
Fellow Brazil legend Ronaldo, with whom Ronaldinho won the 2002 FIFA World Cup, stated:
Ronaldo’s post reads: “Sharing the name, the nickname and so many historical moments with this genius was an honour. It ends now on a victorious trajectory, perpetuation the trail of art and joy in our football. Thanks, namesake!”
Vinicius Junior, a player tipped for big things in the future, posted:
The teenaged sensation’s translated post reads: “Idol for all who are passionate about football, thank you so much for all the magic in the field. Footballing artist, you will be missed wizard! Thank you for caring too. You are from another world.”
Lionel Messi and Neymar, two of the biggest draws in world football at the moment, were glowing in their praise for a man who lit up matches each time he played:
Messi’s glowing tribute, after translation, reads: “Like I always said, I learned a lot by your side. I’ll always be grateful for how easy you made it when I got to the locker room. I was happy to share many things wit you and I am very happy because, besides a phenomenon with the ball, you are a great person and that is most important.
Even if you decide to leave, football will never forget your smile. All the best, Ronnie.”
The world’s most expensive footballer’s post reads: “What an honour to be part of your story. I will always remember your joy on the field, you left a legacy that will be hard to beat in footballing art… thanks for everything you did for football lovers.”
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