Leonardo was a ‘great coach’ – Ronaldinho

(GSM) – Milan’s Ronaldinho has hailed the club’s former boss Leonardo after the latter helped him rediscover his best form.

The Brazilian 2002 World Cup-winner had failed to live up to expectations at the San Siro but his performances started to improve while under Leonardo.

Ronaldinho claims he found it heart to motivate himself after winning everything at Barcelona but gives credit to his former coach after finding his best form in recent months.

“It wasn’t easy for me after I won everything that could be won with Barcelona. However, I found back my best form last season thanks to a great coach: Leonardo,” he told French paper L’Equipe.

“He gave me the freedom on the pitch to do what I like doing the most.

“Now, I am back to the level that I was at Barcelona. When a footballer plays very well, the people end up getting used to it. And just when you play a little less well, they start asking questions and invent many things.”

Leonardo was dismissed as Milan boss this summer after just a season in charge. Former Cagliari manager Massimiliano Allegri has been hired as new Milan manager for the new season.

Milan play Auxerre tonight in their UEFA Champions League opener.