Bittersweet. A new era has begun.
But I still remember that July 21, 2003 when he was presented as a new Barcelona player. A record number of people showed up just to watch a 5 minute presentation. I watched him juggle the ball and perform tricks I had never seen before. Millions of lives were changed that day, including mine. He brought back the joy to the game. Regardless of his physical resemblance to a donkey or Jar Jar Binks, some of the happiest moments I've had were watching him play.
The past couple of years were different. He seemed to lack ambition and the joy he had always played with slowly faded. It was frustrating. I truthfully hope he gets it back, even if he will now be playing elsewhere. But the good times will never be forgotten.
Receiving a standing ovation from Real Madrid fans in their own stadium, scoring goals in every way possible, leading a team from mediocracy to league titles and a Champions League trophy, inventing new ball skills and passes, numerous game winning goals, the list goes on.
Most people have only seen him on YouTube videos or in his average performance at the 2006 World Cup. These people never saw him in the games that Barcelona fans were fortunate enough to watch. Words could never accurately describe how big of an influence he's been. Ronaldinho literally changed my life, and I'll always be grateful.
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