Ronaldinho is regarded as one of the most skilful footballers of all time, however, the Brazilian icon once admitted he was jealous of one England legend’s ability.
The former Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona and AC Milan star almost signed for Manchester United, with those at Old Trafford viewing him as a replacement for David Beckham. However, those at the Nou Camp hijacked any deal with the attacker going on to become a Barcelona star.
Ronaldinho never played his club football in England but did break the Three Lions’ hearts in the 2002 World Cup, scoring the winning goal by lobbing David Seaman in the quarter-finals.
The 2005 Ballon d’Or winner also came up against Premier League sides in the Champions League, a competition he won with Barcelona in 2006.
During his playing days, one specific Premier League and England icon caught Ronaldinho’s eye.
Ronaldinho wanted to be like England legend Paul Scholes
Talking previously, Ronaldinho shared his admiration for Manchester United and England legend Paul Scholes.
Regarded as one of the best midfielders the Premier League has ever seen, Scholes starred under Sir Alex Ferguson after coming through the Red Devils’ academy.
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Known best for his range of passing, technical ability and midfield intelligence, Scholes won 11 league titles and scored over 150 goals in more than 700 appearances for Man Utd.
Ronaldinho came up against Scholes in the 2002 World Cup and then again in the 2009/10 Champions League round of 16 with AC Milan.
Man Utd and Scholes got the better of Ronaldinho and AC Milan, defeating them 7-2 on aggregate, and the Brazilian admitted he was jealous of the Englishman’s passing ability.
“I want to pass like him. Who taught him how to do that?”
Thierry Henry was “scared” of Man Utd icon Scholes
Arsenal icon Thierry Henry was someone who Scholes faced more regularly during his career, with the French forward losing eight times in 19 games against the Englishman and Man Utd.
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Henry once revealed that he and his Gunners teammates were “always scared of what Scholes could do” with the ball at his feet.
"[Manchester] United always had many amazing players, but whenever we faced them we were always, always, always scared of what Paul Scholes could do. Ask anyone from that old Arsenal team, they will tell you the same.
"If you let him play, he can kill you, and for me he was so underrated. The way he plays: one touch, arriving late into the box, the way he strikes the ball, his vision, his passing. Incredible.”