Ahead of his side’s meeting with England at Wembley on Wednesday night, returning Brazil star Ronaldinho has paid tribute to opposite number Wayne Rooney—a man he says would improve any national side.
Ronaldinho returns to the Brazil setup after an 18-month absence and will hope to impress against England, but spoke in glowing terms about several of his upcoming opponents in a pre-match press conference
“Rooney is a player I like – there is not a national squad in the world he would not improve,” he told reporters. “Ashley Cole is a fantastic defender. I have seen him keep the best players in the world quiet.”
Beyond that, he added that the duo, alongside Paul Scholes and Frank Lampard, “would have got into any team in the world” when all at the peak of their powers as a professional footballer.
The atmosphere heading into the encounter has been one of good spirits, with both sides full of kind words regarding their opposition. Both countries will now be hoping to lay down a marker at Wembley, with the Brazil-hosted 2014 World Cup just 18 months away.
Source: ESPN UK
