I posted this a few months ago when this rumor first surfaced.  According to espn.com, the rumor is back on again claiming a deal has been struck to bring Ronaldinho to Stamford Bridge.   I still think its a great move for Chelsea for the same reasons I mentioned back in September.

Back on September 26, 2007…

According to Yahoo Sports, a deal is being finalized to bring Ronaldinho to Chelsea FC for a whopping 70 million euros. 

Wow, if this is true and the deals goes thru, then talk about fireworks at Stamford Bridge!  What a week for Chelsea.  Just when you thought you have seen it all from Abramovich…  You fire your very successful coach and then you sign the best footballer on the planet in Ronaldinho!  

I like the move and it makes perfect sense.  Here is why:

Keep the Faith - Firstly, this move goes a long way in restoring the faith of the the Chelsea faithful who are still furious and confused as hell over the firing of their beloved coach, Jose Mourinho. 

Lampard - Now with Ronaldinho, they have several personnel moves they could make without losing any firepower at midfield.  One option and the most obvious one is to move Michael Ballack and/or Andriy Shevchenko to recoup some money used to sign Ronaldinho.   Neither won have done a damn thing since they arrived at Stamford Bridge.  Another option this gives Chelsea is to let Frank Lampard go.  I know the Enlgish fans would be shocked, but lets not forget that this past off season, Lampard did not sign a contract extension with Chelsea.   I do not recall what his lame excuse was, but essentually he is not sure if he want to play for Chelsea beyond his current contract.  I am sure firing Mourinho does not help matters and neither would a move for Ronaldinho.  Plus, for some reason we have not seen the same Frank Lampard we saw during the 2005-2006 season and his form has also suffered with the national team.   If Lampard does not want to play at Chelsea, let him go sign somewhere else. 

Worldwide Popularity - Ronaldinho is not only the best footballer on the planet, but he is also the most popular.  Lampard and John Terry are not that well-known or that popular outside of England.   Ronaldinho will instantly increase the popularity of Chelsea FC all over the world.  In there last Champions League match, there were only 15,000 fans.  That is ridiculous with all these stars on that team.  Too bad they all lack any excitement.   You could expect more than 15,000 fans at any Champions League game Ronaldinho is playing in. 

Let’s see what happens !!!