Fútbolita

So you should be familiar with Milene Domingues, one of the most talented Brazilian female futbolitas to rock the stage. In case you started watching football yesterday, she’s also Ronaldo Lima’s ex-wife, and one of his most famous partners (oh come on Bia Antony, you didn’t think we’d remember!) She has also started work as a TV commentator in Brazil.

Milene gave a very interesting interview about her relationship with Ronaldo – and footballers in general. So if you know anyone whose sole purpose in life is to become a WAG, tell them to put down The Situation’s Bronzer Pack and consider Milene’s advise sem demora!

“I have this profile. I’m not good looking babe – I’m a normal brazileirinha. I suffered prejudice when I played football for 12 years and did not date players. As for the boys, they thought (going out) would disrupt the game. For the girls, parents thought that I was not a good influence, because I could masculinize them. (And) I pray that my next boyfriend is not a football player. Nothing against it – I’ve had two experiences and they were enough.”

via O Dia

From the looks of it, all Detinho (next to Ronaldo) wants is a FREE PASS to Mano Menezes‘ next seleção bootcamp! That expression on his face says it all. You could dial an ambulance and you still won’t be able to incept the Menezes/Detinho mind game because dude is dying to go to Granja Comary ASAP. They have a secret pact which does not include Roberto Carlos, infelizmente.

The point of this is to put our hands together, stand in a circle and say “Bem-vindo!!!” to the former Corinthians coach who will needing some of Dopey’s sleeping pills now as the official Brazilian national team coach! E ai MANO?!

Take a good look at the man whose first job is to say “Felipe Melo Who?”

Photos via Mauricio Lima/AFP

Sometimes, we wonder what it must be like to have Ronaldo O Fenomeno as your dad. Apart from waking up everyday to see your father’s public antics with a woman who isn’t your mother being splashed all over the gossip rags, it must be cool. And maybe a little weird! What does that make Bia Antony, then? Ronald’s aunt?

Anyway, here’s Ronald (yes, that’s his name!) enjoying some quality father-son bonding session at Deco’s friendly match held in Indaiatuba, a city north of of Sao Paulo.

Photos via AFP (Mauricio Lima)

Well, it wasn’t exactly his birthday but O fenomeno deserves a pat on the back and maybe a call-up by Dopey (for an exhibition game) for being so cool at his son’s birthday! If he turned up at my door looking like that, my dad would immediately ask if he was from the loony bin. OK, what the heck… my dad LIVES for Ronaldo!

At the same event, a fan tried to kiss her hero (since his partner, Bia Antony wasn’t around… it would’ve been AWKWARD with Milene, Ron’s ex-wife being there), there was a buffet, song and dance although obviously they forgot to hire Roberto Carlos as the clown for the evening’s entertainment. Meu deus, he’d be perfect for it, blowing balloons and all!

Anyway, Ronald turned two days ago and oh boy, he’s really growing up fast. Just as long as he isn’t listening to Miley Cyrus or harbouring dreams of becoming a break dancer (that was in 2002), there’s no need to run for cover… yet!

via Ego

So Brazil’s U-17 coach, Lucho Nizzo paid a visit to the Arsenal’s Brasileiros yesterday (including Eduardo da Silva, who is now effectively a Croat….but they still love him the same!). He was apparently invited to England by his former U-15 prodigy, Denilson. The official purpose of his trip was to learn more about Arsenal’s working methods. We all know that the REAL reason Uncle Lucho came was for a taste of the infamous Brazilian soup prepared by Gilberto Silva before he left for Greek shores. Admiti-lo!

So the Messiah netted two goals (and we all know he is still the undisputed SuperStar) but everyone, please put your hands together for Bobojan who also scored in Barca’s demolition of Stuttgart last night! Buen trabajo, muchacho. Tiempo de helados!

So your favourite Brazilian Great who is approaching retirement soon aka Ronaldo Lima has gotten himself into another funny mess again. In a flight he boarded that was heading to Bogota last week, he complained that the sandwiches on board were a “misery”. Shortly after that, the flight attendant (accidentally, we’re guessing) passed him some lasagna that was meant for the pilot. “I pay a hundred real for you to leave this lasagna here,” instructed Ronaldo. The flight attendant refused and Ronaldo ended up only with the sandwich!

via Ego/AP

Of course he’s referring to his countryman Ronaldo, not everybody else’s favourite, Greaseano! Seriously now…. what were you thinking, tipos?!

And before we start ranting about how incredibly rude Chelski were to Big Phil (“But they serve raspberry tarts on a silver platter to Didier Drogba, what do you expect?” said a futbolita), we’d better get to the point. The former coach of the selecao has declared that Ronaldo Lima can exorcise his own devils if he wants to and play in the World Cup next year… for the love of Wagner Love!

“If Ronaldo wants to, he can overcome a little bit (of obstacles), return to a fitter weight and still pose a headache to anyone who thinks that he cannot (play in) any competition,” declared Felipão. “Ronaldo is a player who excels. Sometimes, many people think he is finished, but he has a power to overcome much larger obstacles than other athletes.”

Dear Felipão, always the man to have great faith in others!

• Senor Pep, who looks exhausted from having to bring his daughters to the horrid premiere of New Moon over the weekend wants you to know that even without the Messiah, Ibracadabra and Iniesta, Barca can defeat Inter tonight. Many will call it wishful thinking… but come on! “They are two very important players, but I do not buy the idea that we will be less without Ibra and Messi,” he said. “We’ll compete to win eleven-to-eleven against Inter.”

  Come to think of it, Geri Pique will be a perfect addition to cast of Twilight (Pique as Jacob Black, is that you?). He’s got the smouldering vampire look that will put the likes of Robert-I-don’t-shampoo-my-hair-Pattyson to shame!

• Everyone from sullen-faced cab drivers to the lazy policemen in our neighbourhood can’t stop talking about Titipo Henry’s handball. And now, Lord of the Rings star, referee Pierluigi Collina has given his two cents on the issue. Sadly, he’s trying to be on the fence about this one. “Henry’s case is striking because it has contributed to the fact that one nation has gone to the World Cup. It is not difficult to understand what happened. The point of contact takes a few hundredths of a second and you may not have seen it (on the cameras).” Ei zio, cosa stai dicendo?!! Who is he trying to kid?
  

• Finally, a sighting of Arsenal’s Mr. Guapo aka Carlos Vela! He’s been out injured for a while now, so it’s nice to see him with Cescy at training again. They’ll take on R. Standard de Liège later tonight and el capitano is pretty happy with the way things are. “I have learnt a lot since I was named captain,” he said. “At the beginning it was a bit difficult, but I feel more capable than a year ago. I know my responsibility, my job and I feel everyone is helping and supporting me. I’m looking forward to a great season with Arsenal.” Way to go!
• And in case you were wondering what happened to Ronaldo Lima, here he is trying to run away from Brazilian paparazzi a few days ago after a nice lunch with local singer, Wanessa. Well, he thought he could outdo them all by running out the front door where a Jesus Luz clone was waiting…. but he was mistaken! Eles são mais espertos do que você, cara!

  

via Ego, Reuters and Gettyimages

They’re such an adorable family so it makes us sad to learn that Ronaldo has filed a lawsuit against his former wife (and probably the best one – she was a futebolista after all), Milene Domingues. The suit alleges that his oldest son, Ronald has been ‘inadequately taken care of’ under her and Ronaldo is also demanding a review of the custody.

Milene current resides in Madrid and Ronald plays for a youth team there. “I am very sad because in the end what we are discussing is only in the interest of our child ; as far as I’m concerned, I’ve been (taking care of him) because they’ve been separated from for many years,” she said. Milene’s recent break up with footballer David Aganzo (Rayo Vallecano striker) has also left her down in the dumps but she has found support, surprisingly in Madrid’s latest Power Couple, Kaka and Caroline. “They’re two great friends who have great support for me. There was a time when I was tempted to return to (Brazil). Although I have many friends here, I miss my family because I see them only twice a year. But eventually I will stay in Spain,” she said.

Boo, Ronaldo! What makes you think that Bia Antony deserves a Mother’s Day bouquet? She can’t even cook and she hates Shrek! No one hates Shrek. Bia IS the evil stepmother. Naaaao!

via Ego and Hola

That mop of hair Riquelme is smoldering belongs to none other than the Messiah. Obviously times have changed and one year on, no one would have anticipated his fall out with The Dona. And and if the rumours are true, Riquelme will be joining the Timão gatos at Corinthians next season. It’ll be pretty cool to see him with Ronaldo Lima… maybe even better than watching Veterans Football F.C that Milan are offering now!

“Corinthians called my representative several times,” Riquelme told Ole. “I don’t know if I’ll be contacting the club, but I’m right here. I have an important year ahead and want to do the best I can (for Boca). Let’s see if I am lucky to be champion again and after June 30, we’ll see what we’ll do.” Anyway, the rumored sum is believed to be U.S.$5 million a season and don’t worry, this does not include a large payout to Tevez’s shady agents.

Ya’ll over there… hiding by the corner of the room… don’t be shy! Let’s all help O Fenômeno celebrate his 33rd birthday with his wife Bia Anthony in tow. Unfortunately, Hello Kitty wasn’t invited to the Club Royal in São Paulo, though and neither were his Corinthians teammates. How rude! Instead, Brazilian A-Listers like Luciano Huck, Angélica and Wanessa Camargo joined in the celebrations. Boring… they should’ve headed to the amusement park instead.

Anyway, Bia is four months pregnant with Ronaldo’s third son. Desculpe, but no one is as adoravel as his first son, Ronald. They actually named him after Ronald McDonald.

via Ego

Not that it’s any surprise (tipo is like a baby making machine, sim?) but Ronaldo Lima is about to become a father for the third time. His wife, Bia Anthony, just gave birth to daughter Maria Sofia eight months ago!

“It was a surprise as we don’t know the sex of the baby yet and we haven’t discussed names. Ronaldo is a wonderful father,” Bia said.

At least Bia has decided on one thing – the fact that the birth will be all-natural. “It’ll be done normally, without anesthesia. I believe that cesarean section should be used only as a last resort. “

As for Ronaldo, he was less willing to share details of his new kid. He said :“Everyone knows that I do not like to talk about my private life. This is a personal matter. It is true that we’re expecting a child and (it’s) is a wonderful thing.”

Oh Ronaldo, he makes it so easy for us sometimes! Anyway, mano has spoken up about CR’s arrival at Madrid and why you should believe in Adriano Barbecue Chips again.

“In my case and that of Adriano, we both made history in the field. So, when we do something wrong, everything gets blown out of proportion. But who has never failed at work or arrived late? Flamengo should protect him more. Adriano still has a lot to give to football. He is a great player and will be crucial for the team,” said Ronaldo

On his counterpart of the same name, Greaseano, he said : “Comparisons are inevitable. Cristiano Ronaldo is writing his own story. I already did and I still doing in Corinthians. Let let him enjoy this moment. “

“This is the second most important era of galacticos and there’s a strong command. I played well in the first year and second half of the next. It is not easy to have a team full of stars,” he admitted.

That’s President Lula holding up the Copa da Brasil 2009 trophy and wearing the Corinthians sash at the Presidential palace yesterday! He’s a noted fan of the Timao and was notably delighted at the chance to hold the cup. “I don’t envy you… those who are not fans of Corinthians,” he said. Later, Lula joked with Jorge Henrique, saying he looked like Romário.

Anyway, the president and Ronaldo had a private conversation where he asked the player if he planned a return to Europe at the end of the year. The president’s second assistant said Ronaldo declared that his “cycle” in Europe had ended.

Prez Lula for the win!

¿Que hubo amigos?! We’re back with some Brasileirao highlights from the weekend’s games! Corinthians (who failed in their quest to sign Guti. Really?) defeated Barueri 2-1, thanks to goals from Souza and Jean. Ronaldo Lima was rested in the game due to a muscle injury he picked up. He’s likely to barbecue be rested for Wednesday’s Brazilian cup game against Vasco.

Unfortunately, Santos reduced Fluminense to batter thanks to a 4-1 victory at the Maracana. Well, fluzão had better believe that they made a good investment in Adriano – something we know you are struggling to believe.

Gremio (see below) also defeated Botafogo 2-0 at the Olimpico stadium and the game saw the debut of new coach Paulo Autuori while Internacional came away with a 1-0 victory away at Goiás thanks to a goal from Taison.

Your eyes are not playing tricks on you – it’s really Ronaldo Lima heading the ball to President Lula in the state’s Office of Presidency. The striker visited the World’s Coolest President to pass him a Corinthians shirt and a ball autographed by all the players.

Lula also told Ronaldo, “When you enter the field, know that I am watching.” If that isn’t pressure to perform, we don’t know what is!

The club’s president, Andres Sanchez was also present to meet Lula, who claimed during the meeting that Ronaldo is not fat but merely a ‘baby’. Yeah, we don’t get that either.

Check out the video below – Lula’s header is amusingly epic!

It’s always great to be working and celebrating – that’s what the photographers in yellow bibs above must’ve been thinking to themselves!

Corinthians clinched the Campeonato Paulista title yesterday after drawing 1-1 with Santos in the second leg. “I have to thank a million people for this,” Ronaldo said. “This is an incredible moment in my life. I’m the happiest man right now.”

His wife, Bia Anthony, was also in the mood for celebration after the game.

“Today, we drink a little – and have a light beer. I am very happy. We performed completely (well). We are here to celebrate even if it is quick. We know you guys (journalists) would like to be with us, but it will be just between us, players and family members,” she said.

In Rio, Flamengo clinched their state title after the game went into extra time and had to be settled by penalties.

Dunga (pictured here with your favourite tio, Pele and the mayor of Sao Paulo) has sensationally claimed that Ronaldo Lima will not be called up to play for the selecao in the near future. Errr.. no surprises there!

According to Estado de S. Paulo, coach does not intend to include Ronaldo in the squad’s future campaigns – including the remaining World Cup qualifying fixtures and next month’s Confederations Cup. Dunga thinks that “Ronaldo needs to play a long series of matches in order to be fully recovered and fit. For now, he won’t have a chance to wear the shirt.”

Dopey also added that the “World Cup qualifiers are more challenging than the games in the Paulista championships, where Ronaldo has (clearly) performed well and scored goals.”

The official squad list for the Confederations Cup will be announced on May 21. For now, feel free to draw up your own!

Ah, that’s a “muito feliz” smile right there from Ronaldo Lima! He scored a double for Corinthians in yesterday’s 3-1 victory over Santos – the first leg of the Paulista Championship finals.

Ronaldo opened the scoring from the edge of the Santos area after latching on to a long-kick from Chicao, taking his tally to eight goals in 10 games.  “To be king for a day at the home of the king is excellent,” he said after the game.

Of course, “the other king” in this instance was Pele, who was present and visibly frustrated by the outcome of the match. Well, at least he didn’t talk about what he would’ve done if he were in front of goal. “The ball landed at the feet of a player who doesn’t miss,” Pele said. “Ronaldo makes the difference. The second goal was worthy of the World Cup.”

Ronaldo Lima (not this oil barrel ya’ll secretly have the hots for) has spoken up on the issue of Adriano. He thinks that the media is to blame for ‘taking advantage’ of the situation. Uh, come on! Adriano was smiling and laughing at yesterday’s press conference.

“I am saddened by the lack of respect that has increased towards Adriano. We see many people taking advantage – suddenly speaking up about the player (aka Joana Machado!) when the boy is in shambles. Every day I see more saints on television and people who believe in the perfect world. I think this is sadder than the problem of Adriano in itself,” he said.

“Nobody knows what (the problem) is. I am a great friend and I have followed what is happening. It is a difficult time. I will do what I can to help him.”

Of course the Brazilian journalists had to find a way to ask Ronaldo if the situation was similiar to Ronaldo’s unfortunate tranvestite case last year.

“(There are) no comparisons. Any comparison is stupid. We are human beings. Everyone thinks in their own way. (But) about Adriano, we must know that we’re wrong,” he concluded.

Neymar reminds us of our amiga’s brother who also looks a lot like Roma’s Brazilian defender Juan Silveira. His braces are still intact – so you can always keep those Chupa Chups lollies for him when you visit the Urbano Caldeira one day. Anyway, the promising 17-year-old striker has been in the limelight as of late for his showstopping performances. Idol Ronaldo Lima also warned that efforts must be taken to ensure Neymar’s protection.

“It’s better to be careful when it comes to Neyma. He plays well but he’s very young. He must be prepared to (absorb) all the fame and media exposure that comes with playing on the field. When he’s not playing well, (the media) will say that he’s very young and not ready. So great care must be taken.”

“It is important that Santos protects him and they must plan long and hard.”

We say : When it comes to advise from Ronaldo, there’s only one thing to do. Take it!