Soccer's pre-season friendlies are usually devoid of anything more significant than getting players ready for the season and showing off new faces to the fans. Yet Barcelona's pre-season match vs. AC Milan was ripe with side stories that colored the match and drew world-wide interest.
First, there was the return of Ronaldinho to Barcelona. The genius between Frank Rijkaard's league and Champion's League-winning squad, 'Dinho hadn't played in front of his old fans since his transfer.
The ever-smiling Brasilian kicked things off on a positive note with a letter to fans expressing his love of the city and appreciation for their support while there.
Once on the pitch, the Brasilian was no longer the unstoppable genius that captured the world's imagination in 2004, 2005 and 2006. However, he did have a nice pass in the box (see video below) and went off the pitch to a rousing ovation.
It was a pleasure to see such a significant player for FCB given the farewell he deserved.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic's ties to both clubs might be less important but they generated more headlines. The big Swede's struggles in Barcelona have made him rip fruit for AC Milan to pick - and a perfect way for Barca to get rid of the fruit flies (Mino Raiola) that follow him.
Ibra's position in the starting lineup was probably an effort to showcase him for his potential future team. El Ogro (as some of his less charitable fans call him) turned him his regular performance - numerous lost balls and opportunities with a few strokes of brilliance. Unfortunately, his acrobatic kung-fu goal was ruled offside.
Zlatan's presence did give him the chance to meet Ronaldinho, who seemed to welcome him warmly. With strong personalities on all sides of the negotiating table, it's anyone's guess whether Ibra will move to Milan. It does look like what everyone wants.
Less "mediatico" was the presence of new FC Barcelona fan favorite, David Villa. El Guaje started as a left forward and opened his goal-scoring account in Camp Nou (as a Blaugrana) with a typically classy strike. See it yourself below.
Finally, probably forgotten among the many stars was the return of Clarence Seedorf to Spain. Long a fixture on Real Madrid, Seedorf unleashed a beautiful long pass to set up Milan's only goal - scored with class by Pippo Inzaghi.
For those who actions speak louder than words, it was perhaps Seedorf who spoke the loudest. Will he have the same effect against Madrid in the Champions League?
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