Published 15:23 IST, April 8th 2020

Why did Ronaldinho leave Barcelona? Brazilian's off-field antics led to his decline

Why did Ronaldinho leave Barcelona? Was his fallout with new manager Pep Guardiola reason for his departure? Here's why the Brazilian departed Camp Nou.

Reported by: Minaam Ansari
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Former Barcelona and Brazil star Ronaldinho was locked up in a Paraguayan prison for past month over allegations of entering country using a fake passport. He was released on Tuesday, March 8 and placed under house arrest at a plush hotel. Much has been said about superstar's journey from heights of Barcelona to prison in Paraguay. Fans of Brazilian have often wondered - Why did Ronaldinho leave Barcelona?

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Why did Ronaldinho leave Barcelona? Catalans seal €30 million deal

Ronaldinho was signed by Barcelona in 2003 after club lost out on signing David Beckham.  Brazilian was reportedly on verge of joining Manchester United. However, Barcelona swooped in for midfielder with a €30 million deal ($32 million) with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). He marked his debut goal in LaLiga against Sevilla.

Why did Ronaldinho leave Barcelona? Midfielder wins Ballon d'Or

During his second season with club, Ronaldinho  worked his magic as Barcelona won Champions League. His amazing form throughout 2004-05 season led to him being crowned as FIFA World Player of Year. Ronaldinho also won his first and only Ballon d'Or as a tribute to his magic on field.

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Also Re | Ronaldinho arrested: ex-Barca man undergoes training for carpentry amid six-month jail term

Why did Ronaldinho leave Barcelona? Brazilian departs in 2008

Ronaldinho spent a total of five seasons at Barcelona. During his stay, he me 204 appearances across all competitions. former midfielder also scored 94 goals for Catalan giants. He is widely considered as one of greatest ever to don Barcelona shirt. However, things ended abruptly for Brazilian when he agreed to join Italian giants AC Milan in 2008, bringing an end to his exhilarating run of form at Barcelona.

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Why did Ronaldinho leave Barcelona? Pep Guardiola Ronaldinho fallout

Many fans have debated wher Pep Guardiola Ronaldinho fallout main reason for his departure. re have been various reports citing reasons for Ronaldinho's departure from club. However, he put all those rumours to rest in an interview last year. Brazilian denied Pep Guardiola Ronaldinho fallout reports. Ronaldinho revealed that Spanish tactician wanted him to continue at Barcelona. However, seeing a decline in form, midfielder thought it was best for him to move on.

Also Re | Ronaldinho arrested: Former midfielder marks 40th birthday with special prison dish

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Why did Ronaldinho leave Barcelona? Ronaldinho decline due to fame, money

Earlier reports claimed that fame and money distracted Ronaldinho from his actual objectives. It is claimed that club formed a team to monitor every player. It was later revealed that Ronaldinho used to drag Deco and Lionel Messi to late-night parties. It was furr ticed that Messi failed to follow his diet plans under tutel of Brazilian and started getting injured quite often. Some reports also suggested that Ronaldinho got dicted to consuming alcohol and developed drug habits. This, reportedly, was reason why Barcelona didn't persue Ronaldinho to continue. 

Also Re | Ronaldinho jail update: Brazilian star struggles as key witness fails to turn up in court

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Why did Ronaldinho leave Barcelona: Ronaldinho released from prison

Amid recent Ronaldinho arrested reports, it has w been revealed that former Barcelona man has been released from prison. However, Ronaldinho released report also clarifies that he has been placed under house arrest at a plush hotel. 

15:23 IST, April 8th 2020