End of Ronnies Hangover?

Ronaldinho has seen his career divebomb in the last three years, from the worlds best to the worlds best has-been. For those who saw Ronny in his heyday it's a crying shame, cause he could have secured beyond any doubt his place alongside Maradona, Cruyff or Pele as one of footballs greatest ever. A devastating blend of speed, spell-binding skill and creative vision, at his peak he was untouchable. He won the Balon D'Oro and a standing ovation at the Bernabeu after single-handedly dismantling Real Madrid; it´s hard to say which achievement is the more noteworthy. But since a poor World Cup in 2006, he has let his feet do the talking on the dancefloors of Europe and Brazil instead of the green grass of Europes finest stadia. His last season at Barca was largely forgettable and he was shipped out to the retirement home of former greats as part of Pep Guardiolas clearout.

But tomorrow in the San Siro he has his chance to shine, an opportunity to write one final chapter in his eventful journey through the game, a stage on which to wiggle those hips one more time. Real Madrid are coming to town for the second half of the two-match battle between these two greats of European football. Round one went to Milan, but Ronaldinho was largely anonymous bar some neat flicks, and it was left to another Brazilian Pato to take Real Madrid apart. This time round he has stated 'I want to score goals'. His manager Leonardo will at least be pleased that it wasnt followed by 'and then celebrate by teaching samba to scantilly clad Italian women'. Yes, Ronny has finally remembered what he is paid for; to stick the ball in the back of the net; to strike fear into defenders; to entertain. Perhaps the longest paid holiday in football is about to come to an end.

And to be fair to the buck-toothed wonder from Porto Alegre, he is fighting his way back into form and fitness. This weekend just gone he helped his team to a 2-0 win over Palma, teeing up both goals for teammate Borriello. The first assist was particularly eye-catching, with a burst of pace and skill that was truely reminiscent of his early form at the Camp Nou. The second included a piece of the old Ronaldinho magic, a gorgeous drag back, followed by an inch-perfect ball into the box and onto Borriellos left foot. Madrid will do well to take heed.