Will Barcelona Sell Ronaldinho? It is funny how this question can be raised at all. After all, Ronaldinho is the jewel in their crown. Here is a man who has won three times the World Player of the Year award and has been instrumental in the success Barcelona has enjoyed so far.But things change. Since last season, or should I say, after the World Cup, this gifted player has not been the same. At this most prestigious competition, he did NOTHING to suggest he is the most skilled player in the world. His creativity and close control of the ball was non-existent; too easily dispossessed whenever he moved forward, the strikers were starved of vital ammunition to cause any serious damage. At least, Kaka performed credibly.
Nevertheless, it was expected that he can shake off the insipid form on his return to his favorite club. Alas, the troubles were just beginning.
On his return, he was accused of being overweight and unfit, but he still managed to show flashes of brilliance. This season, he has totally lost it. He is no longer interested in the game.
Now, it is unwise for a club to discard a great player who has lost his form, especially one who has contributed so much to the team. It could be just a temporary blip in a glittering career.
It is a different case though when the player turns troublemaker and creates tension in the dressing room. Take a leaf from Manchester United. Alex Ferguson sent Roy Keane (his midfield general) on his way when he started shooting from his mouth and pinpointing his team-mates for the failure of the team.
It was well reported last season the public feuds Ronaldinho has with his fellow striker Samuel Eto’o and manager Frank Rijkaard. This season, Henry, who is a close friend of Eto’o joined the club and Ronaldinho may feel even more threatened that his superstar status in the team is eroded.
Internally, Lionel Messi has upstaged the Brazilian as the king of Nou Camp, while the emergence of two relative unknowns, Giovani dos Santos and Bojan Krkic, both on scintillating form, means there is an abundance of talents in the team.
The rumors that Barcelona is prepared to sell may have some truth. They could have lost patience with Ronaldinho and the transfer may even take place in the winter transfer window.
Judging by the chorus of boos and whistles at Ronaldinho’s latest performance, the fans will not take this transfer too hard. The lack of trophies last season was disappointing but a significant number of Barcelona fans no longer believe Ronaldinho is the man to lead their charge for silverware.
Selling to either Milan or Chelsea at this point of time represents good business value. The good news is both teams are unlikely to threaten Barcelona even with the addition of this expired diva.
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