Why the Real Ronaldo will always be the brilliant Brazilian

By Oliver Holt

Published 21:58 15/02/11

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In the latter years of his career, some took to calling the man who was once the greatest player in the world 'The Fat Ronaldo' to distinguish him from the sleek, preening Cristiano Ronaldo. But ask people in the game who was the best and they will still say the boy from Brazil.

Before injury grabbed hold of his career, he was indeed, The Phenomenon. I saw him play maybe a dozen times and each one was a privilege.

Even when he played badly, like in the 1997 European Cup Winners' Cup Final, he still managed to steal the show by scoring the penalty that won the match. And when he played well, there was no one like him.

He is the only opposition player I have ever seen applauded off the pitch at Old Trafford. His three goals and the general quality of his performance for Real Madrid that night in 2003 deserved the reaction it got from Manchester United fans.

That's why I never called him 'The Fat Ronaldo'. I always preferred 'The Real Ronaldo'.

**

The great Barcelona midfielder Xavi spoke at length last week about the philosophy of Barcelona and his favourite English players.

But one aside seems to have slipped under the radar. Because Xavi mentioned two coaches who, in his opinion, were the enemies of attractive football.

One was former Spain coach, Javier Clemente. The other was our very own Fabio Capello.

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