Tenkat: Ronaldinho s football is full of magic and won applause at the Bernabeu. Don t compare to Yamal and Messi

Twenty years ago, Ronaldinho performed a career-defining performance in Barcelona's game against Real Madrid. On November 19, 2005, the talented Brazilian star scored two of Barcelona's three goals at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium and even earned applause from the opponent's fans.

At that time, Barcelona was facing the "Galactico" Real Madrid, and Samuel Eto'o also emerged at this time, and Lionel Messi also started his first wonderful performance at the Bernabeu. Henk Tenkat, then Barcelona assistant coach, revealed on the RAC 1 radio program how he played the role of "bad cop" to keep Ronaldinho in shape.

In 2018, Ronaldinho admitted: "Everyone knows that I have always loved nightlife, but I have never given up professionalism because I like music and going out."

Twenty years after this unforgettable 0-3 victory, Tenkat revealed the "agreement" between him and Ronaldinho to ensure that the Brazilian star can focus on the game.

Tenkat: "I often talk to him to get him in the best physical condition. I will tell him, OK, then come in the afternoon. Then I train with him alone. I enjoy life outside football, but the three years working with him were one of the best years of my career."

Tenkat was Frank Rijkaard's closest assistant when he coached Barcelona. Tenkat is not surprised to say that Ronaldinho prefers playing football to training.

Speaking of that 3-0 match, Tenkat, now 70, recalled how special it was to have Ronaldinho at the home of his eternal rivals: "He was special because usually when you win in Madrid, they shout at you. But Ronaldinho got their applause because you could tell by the look in their eyes I have never seen anyone play with magic like him. He has that kind of talent that makes football and his legs seem to be one."

For Tenkat, who played as a midfielder for the Dutch club from 1975 to 1986, he believes that "those were the best years of my football career."

While appearing on Spanish radio station El Larguero, the former Barcelona full-back also weighed in on discussions about whether the Camp Nou should be renamed in honor of the club legend.

Talking about Messi as the successor of Barcelona's No. 10 jersey and the current holder Lamine Yamal, Tenkat suggested "never compare players." He concluded: "Hamal is very good now, just like Messi has been the best for many seasons."