Football
ESPN staff 9y

'Emotional' Ronaldinho arrives 48 minutes late to Fluminense unveiling

An emotional Ronaldinho was eventually unveiled by new side Fluminense before the Rio de Janeiro club's derby against arch-rivals Vasco da Gama at Maracana on Sunday.

The former two-time FIFA World Player of the Year signed with the Brazilian club last weekend after being released of his contract by Mexican club Queretaro, where he'd been since September 2014.

The former World Cup winner, who has been forced to answer questions about his motivation over the years, arrived 48 minutes late to the introductory news conference, then promised he's still hungry enough to leave his mark on the Tricolor.

"I got emotional. I come very motivated, happy with the expectation that I can make history with this great club, that's the project, now I must to work hard to make history in this club," said the 35-year-old midfielder.

Ronaldinho then cited the adoration he's received from Fluminense fans, which came to Maracana in numbers to welcome the former Barca star to the club.

"I just want to grab my shoes and play already. To come here and see this beautiful stadium, fans showing me so much love, my legs are already shaking with a desire to play. I want to get there and be really prepared."

The former World Cup, Champions League and Copa Libertadores winner revealed he has grand designs on lifting one of the few titles he's yet conquer -- the Brazilian Serie A crown -- as well as helping Flu's next generation of stars become champions.

"It's very important to blend experience with young players, I hope to win titles and help these kids to run and win together. It's a club with a lot of tradition and that wants to fight for titles, has the title that I lack and that I want to win together with these kids."

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