INTERVIEWS - Ronaldinho on PSG, Mbappe winning Ballon d'Or, etc.

Ronaldinho, a former Paris Saint-Germain player, spoke to Le Parisien on the state of the club over 20 years after he last played there, as well as his thoughts on each of the club's current star front three. On Tuesday, the Ballon d'Or winner was a special visitor at the Parc des Princes for PSG's Champions League match against Leipzig.

Between 2003 and 2005, he made an impression in Ligue 1, scoring 25 goals for PSG before leaving for Barcelona.

On how the club has changed since the time he was there

It’s become very big [laughs]! But in my time it was great too, with lots of great players. And now, all the best players in the world are here. It’s a new time in the club’s history.

On being an influence for Messi and Neymar

We are friends. We’ve played together. It’s not a case of being idols or fans, we are very good friends. Anytime I have the opportunity of being with them, it’s always a very special moment.

On seeing Messi in a PSG shirt

I’m very happy to see him play at the club where I started out in Europe. It’s not something I was expecting to see [laughs]! I was convinced he would end his career at Barcelona. Seeing as I like PSG, it was a pleasant surprise, but I never would have imagined him playing elsewhere than Barcelona.

On seeing Messi in a PSG shirt

I’m very happy to see him play at the club where I started out in Europe. It’s not something I was expecting to see [laughs]! I was convinced he would end his career at Barcelona. Seeing as I like PSG, it was a pleasant surprise, but I never would have imagined him playing elsewhere than Barcelona.

Asked whether Kylian Mbappé will win the Ballon d’Or one day

I think so. Mbappé will win the Ballon d’Or one day. He’s very young but he’s already had a great career.