Love always. It was a Ronaldinho “always happy to be in Paris and to talk about it” who appeared before the media in one of the lounges of a hotel in the capital, a few hours before the Ligue des Ligue final. champions between Real Madrid and Liverpool at the Stade de France. An enclosure that the former Brazilian star, passing through the banks of the Seine as part of a partnership with the online tour operator Expedia, knows well for having won the C1 there with Barca in 2006… “Ronnie” notably mentioned PSG, where he played from 2001 to 2003 before joining Catalonia (and after having “closed” to signing for Manchester United), the extension of Kylian Mbappé, the uncertain future of Neymar or the expected coronation of Red and Blue in “Champions”. Selected pieces.
Paris and PSG: “I played here about 20 years ago. I came back as soon as I had the chance, I’m always happy to come back here. I always feel like I’m at home there. I have many friends there. I particularly like the Champs Élysées. When I can, I take a hotel that is close to it. (…) PSG and Paris are very important in my life. PSG was my first club in Europe. Paris, the first city I lived in outside of Brazil. I love them a lot. Every time I have the opportunity to come to Paris, to talk about it, I’m happy. I have only good things to say about it.”
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First experience in Europe: “What challenges? There was a lot ! New culture, new language, new football… I was very happy to come here. I have no regrets having made this choice. I was very happy at PSG and in Paris.”
The victory in C1 2006: “It was one of my happiest moments. I had the chance to win a lot of trophies in the teams in which I played. I can’t wait to follow this final in the stadium where I won it. There will be strong emotions that will come back.”
Stade de France: “My favorite stadium? It’s a stadium that has marked my life like no other, but all the stadiums I’ve played in have been special too. The Gremio stadium, the Parc des Princes, the Camp Nou, San Siro… They are all in my heart.
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If Mbappé and Ronaldinho had been able to play together…: “If we had played together, the fans would have been very happy (smile). There would have been a lot of joy in this team. I say that because of our style of play. It would have been a good attacking duo…”
Nightlife in Paris: “What is so special about nightlife in Paris? The same as elsewhere in the world in fact! Music, happy people, I don’t really see a difference.”
What Paris lacks to win the C1: “I think PSG will win the Champions League final or play it in the very near future. PSG have the best players in the world. It’s only a matter of time… Paris will play a final very quickly and celebrate the title.”
Neymar and his future, in Paris or elsewhere: “I especially want to see my friends happy, whatever club they play for. I think all football fans want to see the best players together. Messi, Neymar, Mbappé… It would be great for football to have them together.”
