Ronaldo, the Brazilian football legend, enjoyed a glittering career alongside numerous superstars at clubs like Real Madrid, Barcelona, Inter Milan, AC Milan, and the Brazilian national team. Picking the best teammate is a tough task, but Ronaldo readily identified the worst.
In an open conversation with Romario on his personal YouTube channel, Ronaldo surprised many by naming an unexpected player: “There was one Real Madrid player who I felt was a joke, that’s Gravesen. He was a great guy. I heard he won a $50 million poker tournament or something, but in football, he was really bad.”
Gravesen, the Danish midfielder, joined Real Madrid in 2005 after 5 years with Everton in the English Premier League. However, he quickly became recognized as one of the most unsuccessful signings in the history of “Los Blancos.” Instead of showcasing brilliance on the pitch, Gravesen left a negative impression with his rough play and hot temper. He even clashed with Robinho during a training session, accidentally causing Ronaldo a fractured tooth.
Manager Fabio Capello, who coached Real Madrid, also wasn’t pleased with Gravesen’s attitude. He shared, “Gravesen has a rather eccentric personality. I didn’t make trouble for him. This player could respond well tactically, but I didn’t like his attitude. Everything always had to happen the way Gravesen wanted it.”
Beyond Gravesen, Ronaldo also criticized Amaral, a player who earned 10 caps for the Brazilian national team from 1995 to 1996. He frankly stated, “Amaral was really poor at dribbling. I think he lost the ball nine out of ten times when he dribbled. It’s hard to understand why a clumsy player like Amaral liked dribbling so much.”
Ronaldo’s candid remarks sparked debate within the football community. However, it also offered a different perspective on his illustrious career, showcasing not only talented teammates but also those who fell short of expectations. Ultimately, these memories and experiences are an integral part of a football legend’s journey.
