Kaka Leaving Is Ronaldinho's Chance to Show He Is Still the Best

(Photo by Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images)

With the recent furore over Kaka and his record-breaking move to Real Madrid, much has been said about the decline of the Serie A and in particular the reduction of Milan's chances in competing with the other big European clubs.

To lose a player of Kaka's quality would be a blow to any side and Milan will have work to do if they are to soften the blow of his exit.

A little mentioned thing is the ability of a certain Brazilian maestro who made a move to the San Siro last year. Cruelly and ridiculously labelled a has-been and a seat filler, Ronaldo de Assis Moreira—or Ronaldinho—is still one of the world's most talented footballers and still capable of carrying a team to greater levels of achievement.

At 29-years-old he is on the verge of his last few seasons in the game and this has been seen in the past to be something that can spur many a player to greater things to light up the twilight of their careers.

Without doubt one of the most gifted individuals to grace the world stage with his skills, he is still held in the highest regard across the world, despite the criticism of many journalistic hacks who if they encountered a football at their feet would invariably trip over it.

Not so the Brazilian who in 2005 was named world footballer of the year for the second consecutive year. An amazing feat and something that sets him apart from the footballing world as one of the true greats of the game. Although known by many to like the nightlife, it is at this stage of his career that his maturity could now hold him in good stead to really make his mark in Italy.

With Kaka gone he should become the lynch-pin of the side which should suit him beautifully and enable him to impose his will on the side in a more authoritative manner.

A simply incredible player to behold in full flight, his talents are at times breath-takingly magical in their execution and grace. A goalscorer as well as creator, his day could well have come again with the transfer of his international team mate.

As Kaka leaves the fold everyone wonders who can step into the void that the he leaves. To this writer the answer is astonishingly simple and, luckily for Leonardo, exists within his current squad.

Two time world footballer of the year and key part of the side that took Brazil to the 2002 FIFA World Cup, Ronaldinho.

It is time for Ronaldinho to show the world again why they fell in love with him in the first place, you would doubt he will get a chance like this again.

Good luck "Gaúcho".

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