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The best football player of the year 2005, Brazilian Ronaldinho, is undoubtedly the leader in this season. Not only in this season, but more precisely since 2003, when he moved to the Catalan club from PSG.
Back then, the president of the Catalan superclub, Joan Laporta, said: "He is a player who has made every Barcelona fan believe in their team again. He is one of the main reasons why Barca plays so successfully."
Last week, becoming the Spanish champion for the second time in a row, Ronaldinho will seek to win the UEFA Champions League trophy for the first time in his career. To do so, he and his teammates will have to overcome the resistance of London's "Arsenal" on Wednesday.
Many experts say that the seven goals Ronaldinho has already scored in the Champions League this season, along with his excellent technique and ball tricks, have greatly enriched the tournament.
Just a few days before the decisive matches of this season, Ronaldinho agreed to answer questions on the uefa.com website.
How do you feel about reaching the UEFA Champions League final?
I am extremely happy - it is what every footballer dreams of. Now that we have this wonderful opportunity, I want to prepare properly and enjoy it.
Lately, one life-or-death match follows another...
Yes, especially towards the end of the season, as we play excellently in both tournaments (the Spanish championship and the Champions League). Also, this is a very important year for us because the World Championship is coming. We think about football 24 hours a day.
How would you feel about winning the Champions League specifically in Paris?
It would be amazing. It was in Paris that I started my career in Europe. I am extremely happy to be playing in Paris.
What do you think about the fantastic "Arsenal" streak - missing just one goal in ten matches...
"Arsenal" is a very good team. I respect them all, from the goalkeeper to the attackers, because they are very good players. To break their defense, we will have to use a lot of weapons, such as fast play. This should help us achieve our goal.
Tell us about Thierry Henry...
He is my friend. It will be necessary to play against a friend with incredible talent, so we will have to be very careful.
What do you think about the rumors that he will play for Barcelona next year?
Yes, that is possible, and if he decides to come here, we would welcome him with open arms. Especially me, as he is a great player and a very good friend.
How does it feel to be considered the best player in the world?
I hope to help my teammates as much as I can. I don't consider myself the best player in the world. I am happy to play as I can and help the team maintain the level of play it is demonstrating now.
Have you rested at all after Barcelona secured the title of Spanish champions?
No, I train a lot to be in good shape for the final. I don't aim to be the best player in the final or to show anything new. I want to play as simply as possible - so that my team benefits from it. In other words, I want to play as I am used to.
What makes you happy?
That things are going well for me and I can make a pass to my teammates, and they can score a goal. I enjoy winning matches and scoring goals. Victory is always the most important thing. I want to win titles and, if I play well at the same time, I will be the happiest person.
