Deco Eulogises Ronaldinho As The Best Player Ever

By Max Wise

Former Barcelona midfielder, Deco, has paid a fitting tribute to Ronaldinho, describing the 2002 World Cup winner as the best player he has ever played with.

Deco played with Ronaldinho at Barcelona between 2004 and 2008, winning two La Liga titles and the 2005/2006 UEFA Champions League together under Dutch manager, Frank Rijkaard.

The former Chelsea midfielder also played with a young Lionel Messi at Camp Nou and Cristiano Ronaldo in the Portugal national team, but holds Ronaldinho in high esteem above the Barcelona and Juventus superstars.

"From the outset, it is clear that Leo and Cristiano are the greatest," The Portuguese star told AS. 

"Especially because no one thought they could take so many years to this level, but the one that impressed me most despite not being so decisive was Ronnie."

"For me, he will always be the best."

"We met in Barcelona and immediately connected with him. The moments I lived with him are difficult to compare to anything. It was magical."

Deco and Ronaldinho left Barcelona in the summer of 2008 for Chelsea and AC Milan respectively, after Pep Guardiola took over as Barcelona manager.