History Repeating?

Something about Ronaldinho’s transfer to AC Milan feels familiar, images of the Rossoneri venturing down the same uncertain road flash before me prompting the question whether Milan are trying to squeeze success out of the third of the three R’s?

In 2002, World Cup winner and former FIFA World Player of the year, Rivaldo, signed a three year contract with AC Milan on a free from Barcelona. At the time, bagging one of the three famous Brazilian R’s was considered a major coup and Milan duly went on and won the European Champions League that season, beating fierce rivals Juventus on penalties after a bore goal-less draw. So the signing was a success, yes?

The reality is more like a no. Rivaldo didn’t play in the Champions League Final and although he featured in 30+ games that season his contribution was as a sub than a star, showing almost no sign of his former greatness and consequently was returned back to Brazil at the end of the season.

In January 2007, the second of the three R’s, former Barca man Ronaldo; arguably the greatest player of his generation arrived at Milan in a pit of controversy from Real Madrid, but due to bad luck and injuries; one so serious, there’s an unfortunate question mark over whether the greatest World Cup goal-scorer of all-time will play again? Let’s hope that doesn’t turnout to be the case.

However, sentiments aside whilst Ronaldo’s time has been short at Milan, he’s failed to find the form that once elevated him to Golden Boot World Cup winner and FIFA World Footballer of the Year three times.

So in July 2008, Milan complete the set, the third R, Ronaldinho; World Cup winner and twice FIFA World Footballer of the Year arrives, once again, from Barcelona and once again showing signs of form in decline.

However it may turn out to be third time lucky for Milan, as on this occasion at 28, Ronaldinho has signed at a slightly younger age than Rivaldo and Ronaldo did and it’s possible last seasons dip in greatness was just a blimp, enough so for Milan to take the risk on him. In addition, Milan have a healthy Brazilian contingent; two precious treasures, Kaka and Pato, which just may contribute to helping Ronaldinho locate his missing magic.

The odds are weighted against Little Ronaldo being successful, on the football pitch, for Milan as on the surface it appears just like Ronaldo and Rivaldo, Milan have signed on hope and legend as opposed to form and potential and for the moment, in the words of Dame Shirley Bassey, is this all just a little bit of history repeating?

Milan unveil Ronaldinho