Brazil legend Ronaldinho in town

Ex-Brazilian football star Ronaldo de Assis Moreira, popularly known as Ronaldinho Gaucho, during a media press briefing at Park Inn by Radisson, Nairobi on November 9, 2018. The footballer is in the country as the brand ambassador courtesy of betting firm Betika. PHOTO | KANYIRI WAHITO |

What you need to know:

  • The 38-year old former Barcelona and AC Milan star vowed to impart useful tips about the beautiful game to up and coming footballers during his three-day visit
  • While in the country, he is scheduled to open two Betika shops in Nairobi and Kisumu, attend a grassroots football clinic at the lakeside city, watch the Super 8 Champions League final at Camp Toyoyo grounds, and line up alongside Kenyan legends in a potentially exciting match against Kenyan Premier League side Sofapaka at the KCB grounds in Ruaraka
  • Ronaldinho enjoyed a stellar 17-year-old career, turning out for a number of top European clubs, and winning among other titles the Fifa World Cup, Uefa Champions League and world's best player award

Celebrated Brazilian star Ronaldo de Assis Moreira, fondly referred to us as Ronaldinho Gaucho in the football world, landed Friday in Nairobi with his trademark smile in tow.

And while addressing the media and football stakeholders at a Nairobi hotel, the 38-year-old former Barcelona and AC Milan star vowed to impart useful tips about the beautiful game to up and coming footballers during his three-day visit.

"Already Kenya looks like a beautiful country," he said.

"When I come here, I want to share what I have, what I experienced and what I know about football to those who wish to learn and improve. From a group of tens or even a hundred players, hopefully, a few or even all can learn the game."

Considered in some quarters as among the three best footballers of all time alongside Pele and Diego Maradona, Ronaldinho who is Betika's brand ambassador and is touring the country for three days courtesy of the giant gaming firm, and is expected to engage in a number of activities in Nairobi and Kisumu.

While in the country, he is scheduled to open two Betika shops in Nairobi and Kisumu, attend a grassroots football clinic at the lakeside city, watch the Super 8 Champions League final at Camp Toyoyo grounds, and line up alongside Kenyan legends in a potentially exciting match against Kenyan Premier League side Sofapaka at the KCB grounds in Ruaraka.

"He was super talented but his warm and flashy smile endeared many fans to adore him even if they didn't support his team at the time. His visit will certainly inspire upcoming footballers and allow them to dream big," explained media personality Carol Radull, who also is Betika's brand ambassador.

Ronaldinho enjoyed a stellar career spanning 17 years, turning out for a number of top European clubs, and winning among other titles the Fifa World Cup, Uefa Champions League and world's best player award.

He also scored memorable goals in his career including a stunning free-kick against England during the during the 2002 Fifa World Cup. He scored another unique goal against Chelsea in the Champions League - while turning out for Barcelona - in which he seemed to stop and dance for a few seconds with the ball at his feet, before unleashing a tame shot which easily beat Czech goalkeeper Petr Cech.