Brazil Legend Ronaldinho Admits He DIDN'T Intend To Lob England Goalkeeper David Seaman At The 2002 World Cup
Brazilian superstar Ronaldinho has now admitted that his famous lob over England goalkeeper David Seaman at the 2002 World Cup wasn't entirely intentional.
Ronaldinho broke English hearts with a remarkable 40-yard free-kick that deceived Seaman and handed Brazil a 2-1 victory over the Three Lions in their quarter-final in Shizuoka.
Brazil would go on to win the tournament, beating Germany 2-0 in the final to clinch their fifth World Cup.
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After the victory over England, Ronaldinho insisted he fully intended his free-kick but has now admitted that luck played a major role in the winner.
"No, it wasn't on purpose," said Ronaldinho, speaking at his Expedia Route 10 Freestyle Bus Tour of Paris.
"But we studied it a lot and we knew that the English goalkeeper – he kind of took the advance a bit.
"I was actually lucky enough that the ball entered the way it did. For the sadness of lots of English, and for the happiness of so many Brazilians."
When asked if it was the most important goal of his career, Ronaldinho added: "It was one of the most important goals.
"It's certainly very remarkable because wherever I go, people ask me about it.
"There was also an important goal against Real Madrid but certainly that is the one that arises the most curiosity wherever I go."
Ronaldinho has also revealed just how close he came to joining Manchester United before his move to Barcelona in 2003.
The 2005 Ballon d'Or winner joined the Catalan club from Paris Saint-Germain after they outbid United to sign the Brazilian for €30m (£25m).
He would go on to have a memorable five-year spell at the Nou Camp, winning two La Liga titles and the Champions League, before leaving for AC Milan in 2008.
Speaking ahead of Saturday's Champions League final between his former club PSG and Liverpool, Ronaldinho confirmed he came close to joining the Reds' rivals United before Barcelona came calling.
"Unfortunately I wasn't lucky enough to play in England," said Ronaldinho.
"But a couple of times I almost had the opportunity to play in England. Right before Barcelona I almost went to Manchester [United]. I was almost there.
"Afterwards I had opportunities with other clubs but it did not come true. But I'm very thankful for the English fans. They treat me so well.
"I think they like me so much and I would have loved to have played in England.
"Although I haven't, I’m very well treated by the English fans. I would have love to have had the opportunity to play there."
Ronaldinho has partnered with Expedia for his Route 10 Freestyle Bus Tour of Paris for fans travelling to the UEFA Champions League Final. Paris owns a special place in his heart, being his first home when he moved to Europe and where he lifted the UEFA Champions League trophy. This tour is a way to show fans how to travel whilst unlocking their passion for football to enrich them and build great memories.
Topics: Football, Brazil, Ronaldinho, England, FIFA World Cup
Rory O'Callaghan