Reuters Soccer Blog

Ronaldinho’s great bullet header in AC Milan’s 1-0 win over derby rivals Inter on Sunday surprised the Brazilian as much as everybody else.

The former Barcelona player was so shocked at scoring such a goal that he ran around the San Siro pitch like a headless chicken before being hugged by his team mates and performing his customary dance.

Not known for his predatory instincts, Ronaldinho also had a fierce first-time effort superbly saved by Julio Cesar.  In contrast, there were no darting runs, no clever flicks, no outrageous displays of skill.

Could Ronnie be morphing into a striker given that his wizard-like powers of old seem to be waning?

He was on the bench for the last two games as Carlo Ancelotti said his summer signing was not fit enough having come back tired from the Olympics. His form was so bad that he has been left out of Brazil’s squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.

The man with the constant grin only played in the derby because Milan striker Marco Borriello was injured, and even then he was lucky to get the nod ahead of Andriy Shevchenko.

But he took his chance, scored his first goal and showed Italy he can still be a match-winner even when he lacks the confidence to do his tricks.

If he rediscovers his mojo, he could become the complete player.

PHOTO: AC Milan’s Ronaldinho celebrates after scoring against Inter Milan, Sept 28. REUTERS/Tony Gentile