Interview
Ronaldinho: Criticism motivates me
Speaking to Barça TV after Barça's wonderful 4-0 win over Africa's
finest, Al-Ahly, Ronaldinho has told Barça TV about the criticism
which he has had, the truth about his illness last week and about
how he is happy at Barça and is fully focussing on Barça and hopes
to win a domestic double this season.
How is the personalised training plan?
"It has gone very well. I have worked hard. I have to make use of
the time that I have to be strong and to be ready for the last few
games."
Did you need a rest?
"I did not want to stop, but I had the flu and I lost weight, so it
was necessary. Now I feel a lot better."
People have said that you had glandular fever. Do you defend
yourself against that rumour?
"Defend myself? No. I simply tell the truth and that was a
lie."
It has been a difficult year, with all the criticism you have
received
"When the team is not doing well, this is the kind of thing that
happens. The lead that we have in the league is deserved. Everyone
talks and asks questions. It is something that motivates me and now
I am going to try and help the team in the best way that I
can."
Does it surprise you that you are criticised despite being the
team's top goalscorer in the league with 17?
"People say what they want. To me, it all serves as a motivation to
continue playing at my normal level and to end up winning two
trophies this season."
Is your future with Barça?
"I am happy here; I want to finish the season strongly. Players
live in the moment and I have to prove that I am good enough to
carry on playing here."
So, you are happy here?
"Yes, when I start playing again. I am fine."
How are things in the dressing room?
"The same as always. When you do not win games people start to make
things up that are just not true. The squad is the same as always,
everyone is motivated. Sometimes we are angry because there are
games that we should not have lost, where things did not go well.
But we carry on."
Some rumours state that you do not get on with Samuel Eto'o that
well.
"I get along with him very well. People do talk a lot and a lot of
what is said is not true."
Let's talk about the good things, like Messi's goal
"I was watching it on television and it was one of the best goals I
have ever seen and I will always remember it."
How do you see the team doing towards the end of the season?
"We have to keep our feet on the ground. We have to stay calm
because we can win both trophies (the league and the Copa del Rey)
and we have to fight for that."
Will you take a holiday or will you play in the Copa América?
"I am only thinking about Barça. I have had some games now and
there more to come and after that we shall see what happens."
If Barça do beat Getafe (in the Copa del Rey), will you be
available for the final on June 23? Will you not join up with
Brazil?
"Hopefully I will, yes. I am prepared for that. My thoughts are
with Barça only and to play in all the games here."
Written By: FCB-Mo
Date: Wed. 25th April 07, 07:31 pm
