Ronaldinho close to realising dream

FOR World Player of the Year Ronaldinho, having the opportunity to win trophies such as the Champions League is precisely the reason he joined Barcelona three years ago.

“When I came here my aim was to win important competitions like the Spanish league and the Champions League and now I am closer to realising that dream,” the Brazilian said ahead of their meeting with Arsenal in the final.

“Before I came here there were other clubs that were interested, but I wanted to look for a team and a place which I could adapt to rapidly and one that was better for my sporting career. I’m very happy that I made that decision. I’m enjoying myself a great deal here.”

The 26-year-old playmaker joined Barcelona from Paris St Germain in 2003 despite interest from Manchester United and Real Madrid. His arrival at the Nou Camp revived a club in crisis and he led Barcelona to their first league title in six years in 2005.

The Catalans retained their title last week and have the opportunity to win their second European Cup in Paris. Ronaldinho said that playing the final in the French capital, his first destination when he came to Europe from Brazil, would make the occasion particularly memorable.

“It’s special to be returning to a city I love and playing in the final of the Champions League which is one of the biggest events there is and that makes me even happier.”

Barcelona striker Samuel Eto’o said he would relish the challenge of unlocking Arsenal’s bullet-proof defence which has set a record by not conceding a goal in its last 10 Champions League matches. “We know that it is going to be hard to break down their defence, but if we want to win it we have to score and Barcelona is the team that has scored most goals in the Champions League,” said the Cameroon star. “Barcelona have proved that they are one of the best teams in the world at the moment and, if we want to keep improving we have to win this Champions League. We are heading into the match with the aim of winning it, but at the same time we know that we are playing a team that will be very difficult to beat.”