Watch out Pompey, Ronny's back to his best
Just 12 months ago, Ronaldinho cut a sorry figure.
Arguably the world's greatest player for so long, the Brazilian was a shadow of his true self at Barcelona.
Out of favour at the Nou Camp – allegedly for too much partying – and overweight, he looked to be wasting his outrageous array of skills that had lit up football for so long.
It's a different story now, though.
A move to Milan in the summer has reinvigorated the playmaker.
And while the Rossoneri may be packed with big stars already, television presenter and Italian football expert James Richardson has warned Pompey that Ronaldinho (right) will still be the one to watch.
He said: 'Milan have handled Ronaldinho very well since his arrival.
'He was dropped for the first few weeks of the season while they worked on his weight.
'But he got his head down, worked hard, and is now looking somewhere near the player who was the world's best a few years ago.
'He started the Milan derby and scored in that and has gone from strength to strength, hitting the late winner against Braga, too.
'Ronaldinho has certainly changed since his latter days at Barca and he will definitely be one of the main threats for Portsmouth.'
With so many big names to choose from, Milan boss Carlo Ancelotti will be spoilt for choice tomorrow night.
But despite their impressive form in Serie A, Richardson believes the Italians will still field a strong XI at Fratton Park.
He said: 'Milan are taking the Uefa Cup very seriously and they won't be putting out their second string.
'I can see Ancelotti playing one up front and two from Kaka, Ronaldinho and Pato should start.
'He has Flippo Inzaghi, Andriy Shevchenko and Marco Borriello at his disposal for the striking options, too.
'In the centre of midfield, Andrea Pirlo is fit again and I'd expect him to partner Clarence Seedorf.
'Pompey fans should be pleased if Shevchenko does play because he has done very little since his return to the San Siro. He has lacked sharpness.
'Portsmouth could also take advantage of Paolo Maldini. His contribution to Milan cannot be faulted but his knees are not what they once were.'
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Weather for Portsmouth
Thursday 24 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 15 C to 23 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: South east
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 13 C to 25 C
Wind Speed: 24 mph
Wind direction: East
