Many people have claimed that Ronaldinho was not a good role model for superstar Lionel Messi at FC Barcelona, but the Brazilian has now explained how his relationship with the Argentine really was.
Click through the mini-gallery to see Messi and Ronaldinho together during their time at Barca!
The retired footballer explained why he left Barca for AC Milan in 2008, before insisting that he did not leave the Catalan club because he was a bad influence on the then young Messi.
"It was easy - it was time to go. I wanted to follow in the footsteps of (Frank) Rijkaard, who was my coach and said great things about Milan," he told FourFourTwo.
"I had other options, but I wanted to play for Milan. As for that stuff about Messi, it's not true; you shouldn't always believe what you read.
"I always tried to be a good influence on him and actually try to do for him what Ronaldo did for me.
"I felt embraced by Ronaldo (for Brazil) and I wanted Leo to have the same.
"Messi was always very shy, but always a fantastic player. We lived on the same street, so I had a great relationship with him and his family.
"Even then I knew he was a better player than me."
Ronaldinho: Why I Snubbed Man Utd
Ronaldinho left the club in the season that Pep Guardiola took charge at Barca, following a campaign in which he lost his place in the first team.
Do you think Messi would be the player he is today if Ronaldinho stayed at the club for longer? Let us know in the comments section below.
