YOUR VIEW: RONALDINHO
Whether you agreed with our assessment of the Brazilian's sublime gifts or not, what became apparent was that the Barcelona man certainly got you talking.
We thank you for all your views and below is a cross-section of your perspectives on the extravagant and mercurial Ronaldinho.
Since the 2002 World Cup I have been paying close attention to the form of Ronaldinho. Since his arrival in Spain, his performances have been nothing short of sensational. He has had many candidates for goal of the season and his overall play has been quite astonishing. He is the perfect attacking midfielder. It is easy to forget that he is not yet 24 and he will improve over time. I believe that Ronaldinho will take Zidane's crown in the next few years. His exceptional pace, added to his sublime vision and skill will make him one of the greatest players the world has ever seen. As regards to Celtic, it is the typical British attitude to put down and criticise someone who doesn't show the work ethic of Paul Lambert and the grit and determination of John Hartson. If only Scotland, or England for that matter, had someone with Ronaldinho's ability.
Luke Lambert, Birmingham
Ronaldinho is undoubtedly one of the greatest attacking talents in world football, and it always pains me to hear insular and uneducated pundits taking a swipe at players that they have no real understanding of. Ronny is not meant to be a Robbie Savage character, running his legs into the ground so that the real footballers can play, he is one of the real footballers! Ronaldinho is a player who everyone can really enjoy watching and can make you gasp with some of his outrageous skill. The problem is that players of his ilk are few and far between in the British game. If these imbeciles would take the time to watch him week in, week out for Barca, they'd realise what a fantastic creator he is. We need to encourage players with similar talents in Britain, not belittle them and marginalize them like the pompous old pros - who believe they have the right to decide what style of football is acceptable. Masses of fans thrill in the exhibition football of players such as Ronny. All I ask is that the supposed experts broaden their horizons and realise that kicking shins isn't the beautiful game.
Joel Lumsden, Bedford
Ronaldinho is an animal player, just watch La Liga week in week out. He will be world player of the year within 3 years. They don't understand class football in Scotland anyway, so their response is no real surprise.
Jonathan, Keogh Dublin
Ronaldinho had an off night! Not every player can play at his best every single game! He will have a much bigger influence in the Camp Nou. He has been playing well in La Liga and yesterday versus Murcia he was very good again. Ronaldinho is a genuine world class player and he will be hungry to perform versus Celtic. There is no doubt that class will prevail when it is 11 versus 11 in the Camp Nou.
Andrew, Gibraltar
Unlike Adam Marshall, I was at the game and yes, Ronaldinho was outstanding but he didn't score and we did. So if he thinks MacPherson and co did his man a poor service, then what about his own comments regarding Celtic? As usual everyone Celtic play are world beaters, we are just cannon fodder and yet surprisingly we beat yet another superior team. He did not play his usual game on the night because he was not allowed to play with the freedom he enjoys in Spain. Yet again, Adam Marshall does not give respect to Celtic's superior defence and midfield players, who are also world class. Be irate if you have reason, but first of all look at your own misgivings before accusing others of missing the point.
Liam, Glasgow
I was very glad to have found and read your article regarding the Scottish commentators' treatment of Ronaldinho. I was very embarrassed and angry at the commentary on Thursday night. It just summed up why Scottish football is where it is. It was nothing more than blatant disregard for a different, more stylish, and more attractive brand of football. Ronaldinho is not on the pitch to tackle, he's on the pitch to create - tackling for him, with his body frame, is risky! If he was to build up his body to enable him to tackle like a Neil Lennon or Bobo Balde, he wouldn't be able to make his feet work as quickly as they do. Make no mistake about it, when Zidane retires, Ronaldinho will be the best player in the world. Celtic have always been a club who appreciate quality, and they have possessed such in the past, Jimmy Johnstone & Di Canio to name just two. However, if the club chooses to have such idiots representing their TV channel, I will have no sympathy if Barcelona beat them in the 2nd leg.
Allan Titterton, Melbourne
How can people question Ronaldinho? That's the dumbest thing I've ever heard. As Roberto Carlos said, maybe he is already the best player in the world right now. His technique is breathtaking. The English can't play football at all, they don't even know what the word football means.
Jon Emil Horntvedt, Barcelona
