Barcelona striker &to=http://english.pravda.ru/sport/2002/05/07/28309.html' target=_blank>Ronaldinho, twice chosen FIFA's Player of the Year, has achieved a goal matched only by the great Pele _ he's now a comic book hero in Brazil.
Ronaldinho returned to his southern hometown of Porto Alegre on Wednesday for the debut of "Ronaldinho Gaucho," a toothy, boyish character possessing the soccer wizardry of his namesake.
The character was developed by Mauricio de Souza, a nationally known artist who draws Monica and Her Gang, a top-selling comic book series.
The only other soccer figure Souza has created is "Pelezinho," or little &to=http://english.pravda.ru/fun/2002/02/01/26160.html' target=_blank>Pele, based on the legendary Santos star.
"We got the idea (for Ronaldinho Gaucho) when we were watching a game on television. Then we went to the stadium to see his razzle-dazzle play," Souza told the Rio daily O Globo.
Ronaldinho, on holiday in Brazil, said he was honored by the comic book and joked that he hoped the character would be from Gremio, the local club where Ronaldinho started his professional career.
Ronaldinho was voted FIFA's Player of the Year in 2005 and 2004. He is a starter on the Brazilian national team that will seek a sixth World Cup title in Germany next year, reports AP.
O.Ch.
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