Flamengo forward Ronaldinho’s return to Brazilian football was a victorious one, but manager Vanderlei Luxemburgo is not getting too excited.
The Brazil international showed his usual flair and eye for goal in his first game for the club on Wednesday, with the 30-year-old donning the captain’s armband in his debut in their Campeonato Carioca victory over Nova Iguacu.
A crowd of about 40,000 came to see the former AC Milan and Barcelona star at the Enganhao Stadium, many of who were decked out in Ronaldinho masks.
But Luxemburgo was quick to lighten the load on Ronaldinho, trying to lessen the hype surrounding the star’s return to Brazilian football.
“I don’t want to create expectations because establishing measures and expectations (is not good). He was named the world’s player of the year twice; I think that answers your question. So, let the guy play,” Luxemburgo said.
Flamengo will travel to Boavista for their next Campeonato Carioca fixture on Saturday.