BRAZIL: SOCCER: Brazilian footballer Ronaldinho becomes a character in a new comic book by Mauricio de Souza.

Record ID: 184247

  • Title: BRAZIL: SOCCER: Brazilian footballer Ronaldinho becomes a character in a new comic book by Mauricio de Souza.
  • Date: 30th December 2005
  • Summary: RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL (DECEMBER 29, 2005) (REUTERS) GV: BRAZILIAN FLAG
  • Embargoed: 14th January 2006 12:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Brazil
  • Country: Brazil
  • Topics: Sports
  • Reuters ID: LVA3VW86FV2T2NFFB95WZ1HCSLRG
  • Story Text: Fans of Brazilian soccer star Ronaldinho Gaucho who have long been wowed by his footwork on the pitch can now follow the antics of their favourite footballer in story form - as a comic book character in a new series based on the player.
    The new comic "Ronaldinho Gaucho" is inspired by the man who currently plays for Barcelona and is an integral component of his country's World Cup squad. It's the brainchild of Brazilian comic book artist Mauricio de Souza, the man who created the famous comic series "Monica's Gang" ("Turma da Monica") and "Cebolinha".
    Comic fans like Ayrton Mandarino are dying to get their hands on the new series based around the acclaimed mid-fielder.
    "I was always a fan of comics, and I've been reading comics since I was a kid. I think that Ronaldinho Gaucho is a character, he is extremely 'cartoonable', and I think that it is very important. For me, it will be a pleasure to have him together with other companions like Monica and Cebolinha, characters that I have been following since I was a kid," he said.
    Ronaldinho went to Porto Alegre on Wednesday (December 28) to attend the launch of the comic and meet the artist behind it. The soccer star expressed his delight to become one of the gang of colourful characters created by de Souza.
    "To be a part of all that gang is something that will mark me my whole life," said the footballer.
    The two men posed for photos in front of a representation of the Ronaldinho cartoon character.
    De Souza promised lots of fantastic adventures for his new character: "We are also going to invent a way of travelling into the future, talking about Barcelona, talking about what is going on in present-day life, because in comics, everything can be done," he said.
    Ronaldinho was named the world's best footballer by FIFA this year for the second year running this year, while France Football magazine awarded him the title of best footballer in Europe.
    In the comic, the footballer wears the colours of the Brazilian flag, with a yellow shirt, green shorts, white socks and blue sneakers. The character also wears a chain with a letter "R" like the player.
    Ronaldinho is the second player that de Souza has made into a comic book character. During the seventies, the well-known artist created a character inspired by Brazilian soccer legend Pele.
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