Ronaldo likely to be spared
the Figo treatment
Kevin Fylan
Ronaldo can expect a ear-shattering reminder of just how much times have changed when he runs out in front of a 98,000 full house at the Nou Camp on Saturday to face Barcelona in the white shirt of Real Madrid.
The 26-year-old Brazilian, who became a hero to the Catalans during one astonishing season from 1996-97, should be spared the worst of the virulent abuse meted out to Luis Figo, though, when he follows in the footsteps of the Portuguese forward.
The date of October 21, 2000, will be burned into the mind of Figo after he was welcomed back to his former club by a vengeful crowd raining down insults, as well as coins, bottles and even a couple of mobile phones, throughout a 2-0 win for the home side.
While Figo jumped ship straight from Barcelona to Real in a bitterly contested $56 million transfer in 2000, Ronaldo joined the Catalan club's eternal rivals by a less direct route.
The Brazilian left the Nou Camp for Inter Milan in 1997 after winning international renown, and the hearts of the Barca fans, by scoring 34 league goals and helping the side to a European Cup Winners' Cup triumph.
His $45 million move to Real followed five years at Inter, four of them ravaged by injury, before a renaissance at the World Cup when his eight goals led Brazil to the title.
That time lag should be enough to ensure the reaction to his return is merely hostile as opposed to downright rabid.
"I'm not sure if Ronaldo is going to face the same sort of sting as Figo did," Barcelona midfielder Xavi told Sport newspaper in the build-up to the game. "He was at Inter in between.
"The atmosphere is always charged, though, and that's going to work in our favour."
CENTENARY GOAL
Ronaldo has, in fact, already made one appearance at the Nou Camp since leaving Barcelona.
That was back in April 1999, when he was part of a Brazilian side invited to the Nou Camp to play in a game to mark the club's centenary.
He was welcomed back warmly and when he scored in a match that ended in a 2-2 draw he was roundly cheered.
He would love the reaction to be the same on Saturday but he has been around long enough to know that is not going to happen.
"I'd like to be received by the fans with affection," he told Spanish sports daily Marca after his two goals helped Brazil to a 3-2 win over South Korea in a friendly international this week.
"I was there for a year, during which time things went very well for everyone and I trust that won't have been forgotten.
"I do understand that I'm now playing for Barcelona's biggest rivals and I'll understand whatever happens. I know what happened to Figo, though, and I do believe that was out of proportion."
Ronaldo has been a long way from his best since joining Real, managing just three goals so far.
His double against South Korea has rekindled the hopes of Real fans that he will help their side to what would be their first league win on enemy territory in 19 years.
"I'm really looking forward to it," said the Brazilian, who has already promised a special celebration if he does find the net. "I'm going to prove to everyone who has criticised me that they're wrong."
