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THE SECRET: Now we know why the Brazilians are so successful in soccer - some of them have three legs... Only kidding. It is actually Lucas Leiva (left) and Ramires (right) helping two other teammates with their stretching exercises. -- PHOTO: AP
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HE DAZZLED the world with his skills on the football field.
But Ronaldinho, a two-time Fifa World Player of the Year, is equally agile when it comes to handling the media.
During his first session with the press in Singapore yesterday, the questions flew thick and fast.
What does he make of the club-versus-country row? Is it right for Real Madrid to prevent Robinho from taking part in the Olympics?
Ronaldinho avoided them with the ease of a man who is used to leaping over dangerous tackles.
'I prefer not to comment about this issue,' he replied in Portuguese.
'I would rather talk about the privilege to be here and to be part of such a competition, which is the dream of every player.'
When asked who he thought Brazil's main Olympic rivals would be, he would only say that every team have to be respected and that 'every match must be played with the utmost concentration'.
The AC Milan midfielder certainly knew his lines well.
But he did let on that a gold medal in Beijing next month would come close to the elation he felt when he helped Brazil win the 2002 World Cup.
He said: 'No doubt about it, the Olympics are very important and many of the most talented players have been a part of it and most of them have never won it.
'It would be really important for us to win and make history.'
After enduring a torrid season at his former club Barcelona, the 28-year-old was visibly happier to link up with his fellow Brazilian stars, who have set up a week-long training camp in Singapore.
'I'm happy to be back in the national team and to be part of an important competition and to be part of such a talented group,' he added.
Ronaldinho was joined by Liverpool's Lucas Leiva in the media session at the National Stadium.
Unlike his Brazil teammates Diego and Rafinha, who incurred the wrath of their respective employers by taking part in the Olympics, the Reds midfielder had come to Singapore with his club's blessing.
'Liverpool wanted me to remain because I would miss some important games,' Leiva admitted.
'But they know this is important for me and my country. Hopefully, I can win the Olympic title and go back to Liverpool and try to win the Premier League.'
In Beijing, Leiva could line up against club teammate Javier Mascherano, who will be helping Argentina defend their Olympic gold.
During Liverpool's pre-season training in Switzerland, the pair had chatted about a possible showdown between their countries in the knockout stages.
Said Leiva: 'I spoke to Mascherano in Switzerland, and hopefully I can beat him.
'But we still have to play the first match in the group stage and, after that, we will think about the next game.'
The Brazilians will get match practice on Monday when they meet a Singapore Selection at Kallang.
About 300 fans had a sneak preview of what to expect when they turned up to catch the young samba warriors in training yesterday evening.
They watched on enviously as six Singapore youngsters from S-League club Young Lions were given the chance of a lifetime to train with Dunga's men.
Midfielder K. Sathiaraj was one of the lucky players who exchanged passes with stars like Ronaldinho and Milan's Alexandre Pato for a full 45 minutes.
'They were incredibly good technically,' said Sathiaraj. 'They are impressive to watch on TV, but absolutely amazing when you are on the pitch with them.'
tvoon@sph.com.sg
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