Ronaldinho thrilled by debut at Flamengo

SAO PAULO (AP):

Ronaldinho left the field struggling for words to describe his emotions after his debut for Flamengo and return to Brazilian football.

The 30-year-old forward helped Flamengo defeat Nova Iguacu 1-0 at a packed Engenhao stadium in the Rio de Janeiro state championship on Wednesday, marking his return to Brazilian football after 10 seasons in Europe.

"It was unforgettable," Ronaldinho said. "I have no words. One of the greatest thrills of my life. I have to thank everybody at Flamengo for welcoming me with open arms."

More than 40,000 fans at the Engenhao prepared a big party for the two-time world player of the year, who was cheered nearly every time he touched the ball.

Supporters put on Ronaldinho masks, showed banners celebrating the playmaker, and held up cards with 'Welcome R10' in Flamengo's colours - red, black and white.

When the match ended, the crowd chanted Ronaldinho's name and gave him a standing ovation. The player went to midfield to thank the fans, bowing toward them.

"I'll never forget," the former Barce-lona star said. "It was perfect."

Tickets for the match were sold out in just two days. In Ronaldinho's official introduction on January 12, nearly 20,000 fans packed the training stadium to welcome him.

Not a great performance

Wearing the No. 10 jersey made famous by Zico, Ronaldinho didn't have a great performance on Wednesday, but was able to create some dangerous scoring oppor-tunities for his teammates. Substitute striker Wanderley scored the winner from close range in the 86th minute, giving Flamengo their fifth straight win to start the season.

Ronaldinho biggest scoring chance was a free-kick shot that was saved by Nova Iguacu goalkeeper Diogo near the end of the first half.

"I would have liked to play better than I did," said Ronaldinho, the team's newest captain. "But we reached our goal, which was to win."

It was Ronaldinho's first match since leaving Milan last year. He missed Flamengo's first four matches to improve his physical conditioning and adapt to his teammates.

"It was a long time without playing," he said. "I still have to regain rhythm."

Flamengo coach Vanderlei Luxemburgo praised Ronaldinho's debut but said he expects the player to improve considerably throughout the season.