BRAZILIAN CHAMPIONSHIP
BE STRONG AND HAVE FAITH, MRS. MIGUELINA!
I'm blessed! Never in my career have I received
so much love, been so welcomed.
Thank you. Galo will live in my heart forever.
13 YEARS LATER
BELO HORIZONTE BRAZIL
The ball is in the penalty box.
Ronaldinho Gaúcho's onside. He shoots!
Goal!
In such a tough moment of my life,
Galo's fans embraced me.
And so I'll embrace them for the rest of my life.
RONALDINHO: THE ONE AND ONLY
EPISODE 03 WHO SAID I WAS FINISHED?
BARCELONA SPAIN
Genius, magical, incredible.
These were some of the most common adjectives used
when trying to put into words what he did with his feet.
After two disappointing seasons,
the world wonders,"What happened to him?"
He made history at Barcelona.
The problem is that Barcelona also had other star players.
People will criticize the slightest mistake you make
and no longer look up to you. It's normal.
It was a very hard couple of years because of the pressure.
The atmosphere started to… to rot, you know.
Everything turned very awkward.
The time at Barcelona came to an end along with Laporta's term.
And because of the fight between Sandro and Laporta,
we got caught in the middle.
Ronaldinho was Sandro's friend.
My brother got tired of being in the middle of this war,
of being the center, of being blamed.
Everything that happened was Ronaldinho's fault.
Every time they told lies about me, it pissed me off, it really pissed me off.
Ronnie is a man who does not like conflict.
When there's conflict, he takes off.
Eto'o, Deco, Ronaldinho. Do you see them staying in the club?
We understand that this is the situation we face.
Things have deteriorated,
and the only way out is to build a positive environment.
So we probably won't be considering them.
Finally, the day came, one of the saddest days in my life.
The saddest thing for a president
is to tell a person who's given you everything that it's over.
Today's news, early this morning from Barcelona,
a deal has been reached with Milan for Ronaldinho.
For 25 million euros,
Laporta gets rid of Barcelona's latest star,
who had become quite problematic.
I had already fulfilled my dreams at Barcelona.
And now, I also had the chance of going to a great club,
a different league.
And I had the chance of fulfilling a teenage dream.
Of playing for a team I always liked.
And it was wonderful.
Ronaldinho, managed by his brother,
waived 15% of his transfer fee to sign with Milan.
Yes, we are happy.
It's a beautiful story.
They're the two biggest clubs in the world.
MILAN ITALY
I'm very happy to be here and I hope to bring everyone joy.
Now, it's a new life, new goals, a new club.
And we hope everything goes well.
When Ronaldinho signed with Milan,
one of the contract's clauses stated
that Milan would come to the Joan Gamper Trophy,
Barcelona's summer tournament, and play Barça.
I go to Milan for an interview,
and he says to me,
"Cris, I'm not going, I'm going to say I'm injured."
I said, "What, why?" And he said, "They'll boo me,
and I can't stand being booed by Barça fans again."
I had to call Carles Puyol, hand him the phone,
and have the captain say to him,
"Ronnie, ask all the Culés, we really love you, we owe you a lot."
The good things meant much more than the bad things,
which were not entirely his responsibility.
He had to come back here
and receive all the affection and gratitude he deserved.
Also, because he hadn't been able to say goodbye to the Barcelona fans.
ALWAYS IN OUR HEARTS
WE MISS YOUR MAGIC GIMME YOUR SHIRT
Ronaldinho steps onto the field.
He receives an ovation from the people at the Camp Nou.
Just look at the reaction from the fans at the stadium.
The entire stadium showed him how important he was to us.
I lived with my friends for years.
And coming to play against them in a place I loved to play,
and being welcomed like that, was unforgettable.
I called him,
and it was my way of telling him he'd always be one of us.
And we could never thank him enough for everything he'd given us.
Not only did he come up to me,
but he handed me the trophy.
It was wonderful.
I never expected that.
I can only express my gratitude
for that gesture of…
affection, love, respect, that
I think very few, or no one, has ever received in soccer.
It was an absolutely wonderful time.
To be a part of that group of so many truly amazing people in soccer.
The soccer legends.
There was Real Madrid, during the Galácticos era,
and then I got to Milan with those Galácticos in their prime.
Maldini, Beckham, Seedorf, Gattuso,
Pirlo, Inzaghi, Kaká, Pato, Dida…
All the great ones.
To share the locker room with all of them,
to play with all of them, it was a wonderful time.
I was very happy.
In a few months, Dunga, the coach of the Brazilian national team,
will be calling players for the World Cup of 2010.
Sometimes, I try to avoid the question
but, of course I want to play in the World Cup.
To go to Africa and bring another World Cup to the Brazilian people.
I think Ronaldinho is the right choice.
He's a reliable player and I think Dunga will call him.
Dunga, two players that many people, in their minds,
had speculated would be on the list, did not make it.
Alexandre Pato and Ronaldinho Gaúcho.
I have to make decisions based on reason, not emotion, or what the heart wants.
And also on what happens on the field.
You were very upset when the final list came out.
Upset is an understatement. Based on what I've done,
I think I have what it takes to be part of that team.
At the time, everyone joked,
"He didn't call you for the national team because of that dribble back then."
"You forced him to retire."
He made that move and Dunga wanted to punch him.
Dunga is a very serious person, he would not act out of revenge.
A lot of people said that, though.
I don't think so.
Sometimes, we lose a soldier in the battle,
but you still have to win the war.
I think the beginning of the fall is inevitable.
You start, you climb, you reach the top of Mount Everest,
and then you have to come down.
I think it's normal in our career.
But I was doing very well at Milan.
I think I should have been part of that…
That national team.
But it didn't happen, and that's okay.
I have no problem with that.
-Did you watch the World Cup? -No.
-Brazil's games? -No.
What motivates a player who has won everything?
We started well in the Italian league,
we are already fighting for first place.
And now, we'll keep up the good work.
I think it's the right country, where I have everything I need
to continue what I started.
I called Mr. Galliani and said, "We have a problem."
Ronaldinho arrived in Brazil on Saturday,
after leaving Milan's pre-season practice.
With six months left on his contract, Ronaldinho decides he won't come back.
Fuck.
My sister was getting married…
I pulled him out of my sister's wedding party,
and put him on a plane.
My deal with Galliani was the following,
"Roberto, I need to take him for an exhibition."
"I have a contract with Emirates, he's the star."
"But I promise you, he'll go there, introduce himself,
and then he could come back."
"And then we'll decide together."
We're reaching the end…
…with Milan, which is the first step.
So tomorrow we'll have a conference to announce everything.
We're just finalizing the details.
I think Brazilians are very attached to their country and the life they lead.
A way of life that's hard to find somewhere else.
After many years in Europe, everything weighed on me.
I wanted to go back to my country.
I knew it was the perfect time to go back to Grêmio.
I was sure it would be a huge success.
Assis reaches out to me.
"He wants to come to Brazil to play for Grêmio and retire there."
Damn!
We scheduled a press conference,
simply to announce that they were releasing Ronaldinho.
And in the middle of the press conference, Mr. Galliani blurts out
that in Rio de Janeiro he was a Flamengo fan.
No, actually, in all of Brazil, he supported Flamengo,
'cause their kit was red and black like Milan's.
Certainly, my feelings make me support Flamengo.
You guys understand?
But the final agreement will be made between Ronaldinho and Milan.
But if I had to follow my heart, I'd say Flamengo.
Imagine the mess I was involved in.
Everyone thought I had already signed with Flamengo,
that I had already dealt with them, because of what he said!
Man, there were 3,000 or more Flamengo fans outside the hotel.
When Ronaldinho goes to the balcony and sees that crowd…
Damn, man.
His son was little, living in Rio de Janeiro.
But still, we had nothing.
Palmeiras has Felipão. I have many friends there, in Grêmio.
It's my city.
And Flamengo is Flamengo, right?
All those fans, everything about Flamengo, so…
It's hard to make a decision.
It was horrible, it was a disaster.
Personally, I couldn't sleep because of that.
Even so, we went ahead with our deal. "All right, let's sign it, let's do it."
He's flying here, he's landing tomorrow morning.
Speakers have been set up ahead of a possible celebration.
And fans have been here since early in the morning as well.
But then Assis makes a demand.
There was a money thing of about 12 million.
Something about an unpaid debt
in the termination of the contract with Milan.
Suddenly, Assis wanted to include that.
Everyone knew we had a contract with Milan.
He still had six months left on his contract,
and I was working to get him out… at no cost.
"Hey, Assis, we've already discussed all of this."
"We've already settled it."
"You know that's way beyond what we can afford."
"Everything's here, it's a fortune, you'll get paid well."
"You want more? Can't do that, that's it."
Negotiations for Ronaldinho's contract with Grêmio are over.
He can make more offers, more bets.
If he really loves Grêmio like he said,
he should play there for free.
He's already made his fortune.
He's a mercenary! He's a mercenary!
Assis was too greedy. That was the problem.
I think I'm too nice, I believe in people too much.
Thank you for all the love.
And I just want to say,
I hope I can repay all your love on the field.
We're in this together, I'm with you all.
Now I'm Flamengo.
All of my friends were Flamengo fans, and they still are.
So I was already under pressure at home.
All of my friends were like, "Is it true? Are you coming?"
Playing for Flamengo means being close to the beach,
footvolley, and pagode.
How much did these attractions weigh into the star's decision?
I've wanted to live in Rio de Janeiro since I was a kid.
Since I first visited Rio when I was very young.
And so, the opportunity to play for Flamengo was something magical.
Santos versus Flamengo.
It's the twelfth round of the Brazilian Championship.
NEYMAR JR. SOCCER PLAYER
-Hello. -Hello.
Man, it was an incredible game for those who like soccer.
They talked about me and they talked about Neymar.
The greatest talents
that represent the essence of Brazilian soccer are on the field.
Ronaldinho and Neymar.
He was challenged. The best player in Brazil today is Neymar.
"What about me? I'll show that I'm better than Neymar."
It was a tough start.
He hasn't taken a shot yet. Beautiful ball to Borges!
Goal!
Neymar was crushing it.
He gives it to Neymar. Chips it, it's stopped.
Falls back to Neymar. Felipe blocks, now the goal!
Neymar protects the ball, makes the dribble.
What a play by Neymar! What a goal!
Goal!
We thought we were going to win the game, you know?
But we knew Flamengo's team was very good.
3-0 on the scoreboard,
against these players, against this team, is nothing.
Luiz Antônio with the cross, it falls to Ronaldinho!
Goal!
Thiago Neves with the cross! Goal!
He sends it to the box! Goal!
They make it 3-1, 3-2, then 3-3.
And still in the first half.
In the second half, we made some adjustments,
and things began to fall into place.
The second half begins at Vila Belmiro!
In the second half, I scored another beautiful goal,
making it 4-3.
Neymar gets it! Goes in, shoots! What a great goal!
And then Ronaldinho ties the game.
Ronaldinho protects it, dribbles, and he's tackled!
Arouca fouls Ronaldinho!
Hey, you won't let me lie.
-Because we practiced together. -I know.
We train together! And practice.
I took a free kick under the wall and he said, "Are you crazy?"
I said to him,"Hey, man, at Vila Belmiro, the field will be wet."
"You'll see, they'll jump up and I'll go underneath."
-It's true. -Huh?
And then he said… he didn't.
This is an excellent opportunity.
But we would practice with a fixed iron wall,
that only had a tiny space to make the ball go through.
Twenty-two minutes into the second half!
This game is breathtaking.
So I said, "If it goes through there, it'll go through in the game."
And I kept practicing, and he said, "You're losing your mind, man."
Here comes Ronaldinho. He kicks!
Goal!
That free-kick goal was one of the most enjoyable of my life,
because I could laugh at this fool's face.
Ronaldinho's open! Thiago passes to Ronaldinho,
he takes the shot!
Goal!
He's a legendary player. Ronaldinho managed to shine.
And at the same time, I was starting my career,
and I was able to shine with him.
A game that will go down in the history
of Brazilian Championships!
Playing for Flamengo was magical, and so was Rio de Janeiro.
We won the Carioca Championship, won the Guanabara Cup.
R10's Flamengo are champions of the 2011 Guanabara Cup!
Ronaldinho Gaúcho's first title wearing the red-and-black shirt!
Undefeated. Seven months without losing at Flamengo.
The only club where I stayed so long without losing a single game.
I miss it so much.
Unfortunately, you won't understand.
Even if I explain it, you won't understand.
-No? -Nah…
Only those who lived it, man.
This video, released by the team,
shows Ronaldinho arriving at the training camp in Londrina.
Ronaldinho entered the room and left at 11 p.m. to take the elevator.
But what happened in that meeting?
At 1:15 a.m., shirtless, he went back to his room.
He left at 9:07 a.m.
When it comes to Luxemburgo,
there are good things and very bad things.
We had some friction during my career and life.
But he's one of the coaches I respect the most.
He was always a guy who… I heard him say countless times
that he's always wanted the best for Ronaldinho.
But I think he was also causing him a lot of harm.
Like, uh… manipulating footage from the hotel cameras,
to say that Ronaldinho had snuck someone into the hotel.
Anyway, the time at Flamengo was very messy.
No, I didn't bring anyone.
I met a girl I knew from before at the hotel.
I spoke to her normally.
Ronaldinho allegedly tipped a waiter $100 at the Ecuador hotel,
to have beer delivered to his room.
Flamengo lost the game, 3-2. Ronaldinho had an average performance.
I never tipped anyone $100. There's no truth to that.
It's soccer. Every Wednesday and Sunday's always a different movie.
If you win, it's a happy ending, no one says a thing.
If you lose, it's a sad ending, and everyone criticizes you.
That's soccer and it will always be like that.
One fan went so far as to create the "Bucktooth Hotline",
a phone hotline for people to share information
about Ronaldinho's whereabouts.
The reason for fans' dissatisfaction
is Flamengo's poor performances on the field, especially Ronaldinho's,
as he has frequently been seen out and about enjoying the nightlife in Rio.
To be honest, I never cared much about what people said.
You only read the paper when things go well.
You only watch the news when things go well,
Because when things are bad, you already know they're bad.
And if someone says that those things…
don't affect you, they're lying.
The ruckus is over, the party's over.
And the battle has just begun.
Flamengo had financial problems and couldn't…
afford to keep some players.
Flamengo's board director said that Ronaldinho is to blame, not the club,
and has declared war on the player.
I was on vacation in Rio de Janeiro,
in a hotel, when Cuca called me.
He said, "President, our number 10 is free on the market."
I said, "Cuca, what are you talking about?"
"The court released Ronaldinho and now he's available."
Ronaldinho filed a lawsuit in the Rio de Janeiro Labor Court
and terminated his contract with Flamengo.
I said, "Dear Lord, Cuca, we have so many problems already."
"We have way too many problems
to deal with Ronaldinho at this point in my life."
When we found out he had left Flamengo,
the next day we talked to Assis, who had played alongside me.
Cuca called me, we had played together at Grêmio,
we have a great friendship. He said, "Assis, what's the situation?"
"I have a team that can be champions. I just need a number 10."
"We'll be there tomorrow morning."
"Okay then, let's go to Porto Alegre."
Papa Kalil met with my brother,
and my brother asked me to meet him.
And he said the words Ronaldinho needed to hear.
He talked about the ideas he had,
who the coach was, who the players were.
And I fell in love right away.
He got teary-eyed.
Very straightforward, very simple, very honest.
That's why I call him Papa Kalil to this day.
The news is that Ronaldinho
had a lunch with President Alexandre Kalil.
Now we just have to wait.
Hours before training started, there was a helicopter.
No one understood what was going on.
And then he shows up, already dressed in his training uniform.
The press was going crazy over Ronaldinho at Atlético Mineiro.
How do you deal with the "party animal" labeling?
I put everything aside. I came here to play, I just focus on that.
We're not in Rio, we're in Minas Gerais.
So we want to party on the field.
And I think he's had enough of partying off the field.
We were playing on Sunday,
so we had to be back at camp, at the hotel, on Friday.
We were supposed to be there at 11 p.m., but we got there at 2 a.m.
And that, obviously, made Cuca really mad.
"I'm fed up with you. Every day I'm struggling to protect you."
"Get out of here." And…
Alexandre Kalil called and said, "Send him up here. Don't let him leave."
Because I told him in that first conversation
that he wouldn't do to Atlético what he did to Flamengo.
"Or you can pack your bags and leave."
It was desperation. "Wait, Mr. President, let's talk."
"Fine, I won't get involved, you guys can sort it out with him."
I was already a mature, experienced player.
So I knew what I could and couldn't do.
Sometimes, two adults argue until they reach a…
a reasonable conclusion.
Apologize and move on.
He apologized and asked me to stay.
When the group is good, it's like that.
You argue and decide what's best for the group,
what you need to do to be champions.
This argument was on Saturday, it was resolved on Saturday.
And on Sunday, he went to play against Vasco da Gama
and he just simply destroyed Vasco da Gama.
He passes to Ronaldinho. He dribbles past Auremir.
Crosses, Jô with the header, goal!
God has been very good to me.
I won almost every title possible.
But I was missing the Libertadores.
And I had this drive, motivation, to win the Libertadores and make history.
Atlético Mineiro is one of the biggest teams in Brazil.
It's a team that has very passionate fans.
And it's a team that doesn't have the number of titles
that a club of that size should have.
So, what was missing was to make Atlético a winner.
And I started putting together a team that they called "The Unwanted."
We had Jô, who was dismissed from Porto Alegre's Internacional.
We had Ronaldinho, who nobody wanted at the time.
And in the end, people would say it was a team of outcasts.
Because a team of angels doesn't win.
When the tournament began, we had no credibility at all.
And we spent most of the Brazilian Championship
in first place.
Great players with a lot of talent.
Each one knew what they had to do. Each one knew how to help one another.
We finished in second place.
Then we qualified for the Libertadores Cup.
Ronaldinho's goal was enough to secure the state title
for the second time in a row.
I needed to take this important first step
in order to start making history at Atlético.
He was the best player of 2012.
He started to take a leading role on the team,
and he was warmly embraced by Atlético's fans.
A connection that can't be explained.
Your personality really fits with people here. Don't you think?
They say I'm becoming a native,
but I've always had that even though I'm not from here.
At Atlético Mineiro, living in Belo Horizonte,
was when my mom had health issues.
That was the only, like…
difficult moment I had.
Not only at Atlético, but in my life in general.
It's the first time I've walked onto the field with him,
so I can't help it.
With all these people, it's very moving.
Did you really think you'd stop playing?
I did. Because, back then, I…
had already achieved most of my dreams playing soccer.
And I thought, "Maybe it's time I take care of my mom."
At the height of his mother's illness,
Ronaldinho gets on the field, and suddenly, a gigantic banner unfurls.
With a picture of Ronaldinho hugging his mom, and the phrase:
"May God protect her."
They really embraced the family, his life, all of Ronaldinho's story there.
It was wonderful, unforgettable. I never expected that.
I already felt embraced, I already felt at home.
There, I identified with them even more.
He's an incredible guy. He's a truly amazing guy.
He gave an interview, I heard it,
saying, "What is happening? These people embraced me."
"I'll stand by these people until I die."
They embraced me and I said, "I'll stand by them until the end."
And if I manage to give them that gift…
that will be my glory.
Atlético Mineiro has always been a big club.
The problem is that they had never won a Libertadores.
The first match, we played São Paulo in the Round of 16.
The game against São Paulo was bizarre.
That was when he went and drank from Rogério Ceni's bottle.
I went to get some water and became aware of what was happening.
I knew how strong Marcos Rocha was when taking throw-in's.
So, even though I was far away, I asked for the ball.
The ball's inside the box. Ronaldinho Gaúcho crosses to Jô!.
It's a goal! Goal!
He had that skill.
And I showed up and scored my first goal in the Libertadores,
through that play.
Ronaldinho! Ronaldinho!
From the quarterfinals on, we really suffered.
The entire fan base is eager to show their support once again.
So that's motivation for us and we hope we can react accordingly.
The Argentine team won 2-0 there,
and Atlético needs to turn the game around
to qualify for the next round.
The game was very slow.
We were under pressure, we couldn't score.
To Bernardol!
And we had to score one more to get to penalties.
All of a sudden, the stadium lights went out.
The stadium had perfect lighting.
In the two years playing there, it had never happened before.
It happened at that precise moment, so I'm sure that it was Kalil's doing
to change the game, so the coach could give us some instructions.
When the lights came back on, two minutes later…
Go, Guilherme! Make it count!
…we managed to score… …and take the game to penalties.
It's the last penalty of the series.
The expectation, the anxiety!
But we practice so much, that when you get there
you are confident enough to do what you have to do.
Ronaldinho takes his signature pose.
He kicks it with his right foot, and scores!
Goal!
Ronaldinho scores.
Victor was a hero against Tijuana, saving a penalty at the 47th minute.
Maxi shoots, Victor saves!
Victor has stopped it!
Victor has saved it!
Atlético is in the final!
Atlético heads to the Libertadores finals!
Let's go, Galo!
A 30-hour drive to see Galo win!
Everyone was hyped to have the chance to win the Libertadores.
I was very motivated
because it was a title that I hadn't won yet in my career.
We made it to a Libertadores final, it isn't just any game.
And Ronaldinho says, "Let's show up dancing."
"Dude, we won't have time,
when we get there, we have to rush and change."
And he said, "No, let's show up dancing, it's fine."
And I thought, "My God, what is this guy thinking?"
And that energy he has, that positive attitude…
Let's go in with a clean body and soul,
and with the strongest determination possible,
so that today we become champions!
Following the Libertadores final.
We played a pretty good game.
Here comes Silva, he shoots. Silva! Olimpia!
Pittoni to take the free kick.
Goal!
But we lose 2-0.
Olimpia, 2. Atlético Mineiro, 0.
We were very confident
because of everything that had happened before.
We always came back, and we knew it wasn't easy,
but we were confident we could… turn it around.
Yes, I believe!
The crowd chanting, "Yes, I believe" could be felt inside the field.
It would give you goosebumps.
Yes, I believe!
There were nine births in my family,
and they were very important in my life.
Nothing compares to that Libertadores night in my life.
Let's see if Ronaldinho's team
can turn the situation around.
We had a great start but we missed a lot of goals.
And we made silly mistakes we usually did not make.
I think it was partly because of anxiety, knowing the weight of the responsibility
to turn that match around and win a title after 40 years.
The referee blows the whistle,
and the first half is over.
Nil-nil.
I was on the bench for that game, I didn't play.
When Cuca finished speaking
and the players started heading out for the second half,
I called everyone into the warm-up room.
Giba is like a big brother to me, a lovely person.
And I told them: "This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."
"So let's go."
"Let's go back out there and play a great second half
and turn this around."
"And we will do it, and we will leave here as champions."
The Paraguayan team for the kick-off,
only 45 minutes away from winning its fourth Copa Libertadores.
Also 45 minutes for Mineiro to win their first title.
And then, three minutes into the game, I scored the first goal.
Rosinei with the cross into the box.
The defense misses it, looks at Jô!
Goal!
My son, the doctor, was looking for me, "Where's Dad?"
"Your dad is over there in the locker room."
So it was me, my son, and the locker room staff watching it.
On a TV, with a delay of almost 20 seconds, the entire game.
I'm a chicken.
They have only four minutes to score a goal.
Galo's situation is becoming absolutely dramatic.
This might not be the best option.
He sends it into the box. Leonardo with the header!
Goal!
The ball is out. And that's the final whistle.
Penalties were next. And I was there with all my teammates.
I was waiting for my turn to take the penalty.
I wanted it. I was ready for it.
Miranda with the right foot.
Ronaldinho said, "I'll take the last one, and I'll tell you what…"
"If I get to shoot, I'll take a Panenka penalty. I'll chip it."
"You're kidding, right?"
He shoots! Shoots with his left.
All of Atlético's titles have been tough to achieve.
I wanted it to be my turn, my time to shoot.
The ball. He's left-footed.
Eyes open wide. Giménez shoots! It's out!
Atletico is the new Copa Libertadores champion!
I wanted to take the last penalty, to be the champions because of my goal.
But it was wonderful the way it was.
Never in my career had I received so much love,
been so welcomed. Nowhere in the world.
Thank you. Galo will live in my heart forever.
When I went up to the field, Atlético was already the champion,
they were already celebrating.
We hugged right after the title.
He grabbed my face and said, "Didn't I tell you it was gonna happen?"
I told you, "You're going to come back and be the top scorer."
That's why I always joke with him and I say,
"That's why your nickname is 'The Wizard'."
ATLÉTICO MINEIRO CHAMPIONS
Everyone said I was finished, that we were the team of outcasts.
What have you got to say now?
I had the honor of being the president of the team
with of one of the greatest players of all time,
Ronaldinho Gaúcho.
What went wrong in such an intense love story
between Ronaldinho Gaúcho and Atlético Mineiro?
It worked out, it didn't go wrong.
We got titles and had many moments of joy.
And few have the privilege of leaving after a big win when everything is great.
And that's how I would like Atlético fans to remember me.
Where will you go after this? What kind of place are you looking for?
Right now, I'm letting my brother work on it
while I get to relax and unwind.
Then, starting next week,
we agreed to start talking about the future.
But I know his phone is ringing a lot.
7 YEARS LATER
My brother is always taking care of my things, my whole life.
More than a brother, he's like a father to me.
What happened was really crazy We never…
We never imagined going through something like that,
living through something like that, I mean…
PARAGUAY
I think being detained in Paraguay was the worst moment.
No doubt.
Ronaldinho at the Paraguay international airport,
minutes after landing last Wednesday.
There was social agitation due to Ronaldinho's arrival in Paraguay.
I was there that morning when he went to a radio station.
There he mentioned participating in a book launch
related to a social assistance project.
I was called at 2 or 3 p.m.
to handle a very delicate issue that had come up.
First off, I'm shown a passport photo.
It's Ronaldinho's passport.
Paraguyan.
It caught my attention.
We spoke to a judge who authorized the arrest.
Ronaldinho was in the presidential suite playing video games.
Not knowing what was going on.
Former soccer player Ronaldinho Gaúcho and his brother
are in police custody in Paraguay.
They are being investigated for using false documents to enter the country.
They gave us their passports and ID cards,
because they also had Paraguayan ID cards,
and Paraguayan driving licenses as well.
The question we all asked was, "But why?"
I mean, what was the need
for him, Ronaldinho Gaúcho, who everybody knows is Brazilian,
to use a document that's not his?
Assis has always managed his life.
What they… …did was absurd.
The… the document issue.
The Paraguayan document.
It was an important trip…
And everything happened very fast.
Ronaldinho is charged,
and it's requested that he be held without bail,
for criminal conspiracy and for the use of fake public documents.
Ronaldinho Gaúcho and his brother Assis
spent the night in separate cells.
You trust someone and then they…
don't keep their… their word.
And I was surprised.
Why did I have the passport? I mean, someone gave it to me.
A person came to my house and gave me the passport.
I believe that, in no country in the world,
does someone give ID documents to anybody.
Arrested in Paraguay over a week ago,
Ronaldinho Gaúcho took part in an indoor soccer match
between inmates and police officers.
I made friends, you know?
Everyone played soccer, everyone practiced the sport.
And it was a way… to forget what was going on,
doing what I loved the most.
I was champion there too.
The former Brazilian star led his team to an 11-2 victory.
The prize for the winning team was a piglet.
Ronaldinho was released after over five months in prison.
The former Brazilian star was released on Monday by a Paraguayan judge,
after being accused of using a false Paraguayan passport.
We were declared innocent, we had absolutely nothing to do with it.
Uh…
We were caught in a situation that wasn't ours,
that had nothing to do with us.
Ronaldinho and his brother have no unresolved legal issues
with the Paraguayan justice, to this day.
You know, you are arrested for a situation
that you had nothing to do with.
It's awful.
I think Ronaldinho was used.
He was innocent throughout the whole story.
I take full responsibility for this.
Because I should have been more careful,
my attitude should have been different.
Uh, I was negligent.
I trusted blindly.
Right on, Ronaldinho!
Yeah, we're two men now.
It's no longer father and son, older brother, younger brother.
After a certain age, it's just two men going through…
a difficult situation.
It was tough.
Ronaldinho Gaúcho's mother, Mrs. Miguelina,
died last night in Porto Alegre.
She was 71 years old
and had gotten COVID in December of last year.
Oh yeah, baby.
What was the guy's name?
Hm…
The worst is knowing that you no longer have someone
who you will miss dearly.
So not having my mom today…
I'll say that was the worst day.
The worst day was the day I lost my mom.
My mother liked it, she always came to visit me.
First, we built my mother's house, we did everything.
It's where my sister lives to this day.
So, sometimes I avoid going there because I miss my mom a lot.
And I really like it here. So, when I go there,
being in the places where she always was…
I always miss her.
I started building it in 2000.
It was meant to be a condo, but we bought everything all at once.
This was my mom's house.
We built it thinking of her.
For her to have a nice place. She enjoyed it a lot.
-Mom got to enjoy it a lot. -Yeah. She did.
We had a very strong connection.
Not only with my mother, but also with my siblings.
You know, everyone says we are very similar.
And if we're similar,
it's because she raised us that way, right?
So she deserves all the credit.
We have events, to go places.
To go to Qatar, to Saudi Arabia, and so on.
That's more expensive.
These trips around the world we take,
each one of them, each country we go to,
we are welcomed with a lot of love.
We're almost there.
My childhood dream was to be famous.
Of course, I never imagined that,
even after I stopped playing soccer,
I would still be so well-known, you know?
But I'm very happy.
Everywhere I go in the world,
people treat me with a lot of respect and affection.
I have to thank God more every day.
Because I never imagined
it would be as perfect and as big as it is today.
Random hangouts are like being in places
you never imagined you would be,
since there's no direct connection to that person.
One day you're at a Formula 1 race, the next you're at a basketball game,
and the next, you're eating a traditional barbecue.
I think that sums it up.
Hanging out in very different places.
And he has fun and entertains everyone.
Ronaldinho!
I'll keep working on my music projects,
my soccer schools around the world.
I'll keep traveling.
Ronaldinho!
It's wonderful and organic, there's no planning.
Just like there was no planning in the way he dribbled on the field.
Ronaldinho, that pool photo you posted
got a lot of attention.
-How do you feel about the exposure? -You're jealous!
I won't deny it looked fun.
But how do you deal with that?
Oh my God. I said,
"Ronaldinho, who the hell did you send that picture to?"
Oh shit.
Being able to mess around with my friends and say,
"You see this round thing we call the world?"
"I'm the fucking best there is in it!"
We have a trip to Barcelona on the 9th and 10th.
We're gonna watch the Spanish derby.
Then we have a game in Georgia on the 16th.
On the 18th, maybe another event in Africa,
and then Miami.
On June 7th, we have The Beautiful Lady match.
-That'll be good. -It will.
I like that one.
Today, the internet connects the world.
People who never saw me play admire what I've done.
So I feel truly blessed.
My brother, man, seriously…
We're part of this story. Damn, bro.
My brother fulfilled my dream.
So, in a very special way, I lived my dream along with him.
May he never grow up.
May he keep that childlike spirit inside and out, that inner beauty.
And love, because he's very affectionate,
very loving.
So he should never lose that.
That almost ruined the party, huh?
Game's not over, all have to go in.
Now! Oh, it's never been easier!
I was already accomplished.
I didn't have to prove anything to anyone anymore.
I had no nothing left to achieve.
That's when it started to get tiring.
Finding motivation at a certain age…
after having achieved everything, is hard.
After winning the Copa Libertadores with Atlético and leaving in 2014,
Ronaldinho played nine months for Querétaro in Mexico.
In 2015, 9 games for Fluminense.
After brief stints at several clubs,
he officially retired from professional soccer in 2017.
Since his debut at Grêmio at just 17,
Ronaldinho won nearly every major title in soccer.
CLUB TITLES
LA LIGA, 2005/2006 CHAMPIONS LEAGUE, 2006
SPANISH SUPER CUP, 2006
SERIE A, 2010
COPA LIBERTADORES WITH ATLÉTICO MINEIRO, 2013
INTERNATIONAL TITLES WITH BRAZIL COPA AMÉRICA, 1999
FIFA WORLD CUP, 2002
CONFEDERATIONS CUP, 2005
INDIVIDUAL TITLES
BALLON D'OR 2005
FIFA WORLD PLAYER OF THE YEAR 2004 AND 2005
Look at Ronaldinho. Ronaldinho is inside the box.
This could be a goal. Goal!
He was a genius and he always kept his smile and his joy.
Goal, Ronaldinho scores!
My God! Look at this player!
Ronaldinho!
The magic he left on every field will be eternal.
Unbelievable!
What would I say to Ronaldinho? I'd say, uh, "Thanks for ruining my life."
Ronaldinho wrote one of the most beautiful stories
in the world of soccer.
I was very happy playing,
and people say they were very happy when they saw me play.
So I just have to thank God.
It was a wonderful career.
It was there, written,
"I will be one of the best players in the world of soccer."
And he was.
That is all.
Outside, inside, we don’t stop Global, worldwide, we don’t stop
From the bottom to the top We don’t stop
RONALDINHO: THE ONE AND ONLY
Outside, inside, we don’t stop Global, worldwide, we don’t stop
From the bottom to the top We don’t stop
From the birds to the block We don’t stop
I’m ’bout to blow Like a fully-loaded TEC-9
Turn the lights out Go and tell ’em “bedtime”
Gotta steal the show everywhere we go
Got a superego, but not a hero
I keep the flow hot Like it came from below
The people say “Oh, gee, man, he’s dope!”
“He got a little swag But I heard he’s broke”
Money ain’t the thing That brings me peace, though
I’ve been lookin’ for more lately
The cars and whores, daily The like that you couldn’t afford, baby
Just put some new hubs On my new Accord, baby
Got a determination You couldn't reward, baby
The vision don't come with ease You gotta learn it
Ain’t nothin’ in life free You gotta earn it
We the winners It's already determined
Bras on, a thousand degrees I'm 'bout ta burn it
Outside, inside, we don't stop Global, worldwide, we don't stop
From the bottom to the top We don't stop
From the birds to the block We don't stop
Outside, inside, we don't stop Global, worldwide, we don't stop
From the bottom to the top We don't stop
From the birds to the block We don't stop
Dress too sharp I might shank ya
Check the resumé I'm gangsta
Payend on me I might thank ya
Green is natural colour Let me paint ya
A picture that's worth More than a thousand words
I'm so gifted, prolific Don't miss it
So different, who we care There ain't no competition
I got a proposition for my opposition
Smooth at the horns when they comin'
Beatin' like the man on the drummin'
I am the light If you wanna let the sun in
I could make a hit Like a boxer when he punchin'
I could make a hit Like a lineman runnin'
To the kicker when he puntin' You won't owe notin'
No matter where we are Aye, we runnin'
Up, down, left or righ It doesn't matter
Outside, inside, we don't stop (Ah, yeah)
Global, worldwide We don't stop (C'mon)
From the bottom to the top We don't stop
From the birds to the block We don't stop
Outside, inside, we don't stop Global, worldwide, we don't stop
From the bottom to the top We don't stop (Uh, yeah)
From the birds to the block We don't stop
Ay-yo, we don't We don't we don't stop
We don't, we don't, we don't stop
(Alright)
I say, we don't… we don't stop (Alright)