PORTO ALEGRE // For a city that supplied football with one of its great entertainers, there is not much in the way of tributes or homages.
Porto Alegre may be famous for its churrasco, the barbequed meat swallowed by the barrel load in Brazil, but for fans of the jogo bonito, it is more readily renowned as the place that produced Ronaldo de Assis Moreira.
Or, to you and I, Ronaldinho.
The two-time Fifa World Player of the Year cut his distinctive teeth in these parts, having grown up in Villa Nova, to the city’s south.
At age 13, he caught the media’s attention by scoring all 23 goals in a local football match.
Then, graduation to Gremio’s first team, where Ronaldinho collected a couple of cups before a big-money move to Paris Saint-Germain.
By the time he returned to Porto Alegre, in 2006, to cut the ribbon on the Ronaldinho Institute, he was a World Cup winner, and easily the best player on the planet.
Upon opening the educational facility, Ronaldinho broke down in tears, moved by the endeavour of others in turning his dream into reality.
Yet around Porto Alegre now, there does not appear to be the same gratitude returned.
In a city with an abundance of street art, sketches of Ronaldinho cannot be easily found.
A tiny souvenir football shop sells Gremio memorabilia, but their former star is not plastered over mugs or flags.
A Ronaldinho museum, even? They have that covered in the institute, apparently.
Ask taxi drivers, restaurant owners and football fans, and they all acknowledge Ronaldinho can stake a claim as Brazil’s most skilful exponent.
But there is a sense he departed Gremio, the club that provided the platform, too soon in search of fame and fortune. It all seems a little unfair.
jmcauley@thenational.ae
The National's picks
4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young
La Mer lowdown
La Mer beach is open from 10am until midnight, daily, and is located in Jumeirah 1, well after Kite Beach. Some restaurants, like Cupagahwa, are open from 8am for breakfast; most others start at noon. At the time of writing, we noticed that signs for Vicolo, an Italian eatery, and Kaftan, a Turkish restaurant, indicated that these two restaurants will be open soon, most likely this month. Parking is available, as well as a Dh100 all-day valet option or a Dh50 valet service if you’re just stopping by for a few hours.
If you go:
The flights: Etihad, Emirates, British Airways and Virgin all fly from the UAE to London from Dh2,700 return, including taxes
The tours: The Tour for Muggles usually runs several times a day, lasts about two-and-a-half hours and costs £14 (Dh67)
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is on now at the Palace Theatre. Tickets need booking significantly in advance
Entrance to the Harry Potter exhibition at the House of MinaLima is free
The hotel: The grand, 1909-built Strand Palace Hotel is in a handy location near the Theatre District and several of the key Harry Potter filming and inspiration sites. The family rooms are spacious, with sofa beds that can accommodate children, and wooden shutters that keep out the light at night. Rooms cost from £170 (Dh808).
The 12 Syrian entities delisted by UK
Ministry of Interior
Ministry of Defence
General Intelligence Directorate
Air Force Intelligence Agency
Political Security Directorate
Syrian National Security Bureau
Military Intelligence Directorate
Army Supply Bureau
General Organisation of Radio and TV
Al Watan newspaper
Cham Press TV
Sama TV
Match info
Bournemouth 1 (King 45 1')
Arsenal 2 (Lerma 30' og, Aubameyang 67')
Man of the Match: Sead Kolasinac (Arsenal)
Countries offering golden visas
UK
Innovator Founder Visa is aimed at those who can demonstrate relevant experience in business and sufficient investment funds to set up and scale up a new business in the UK. It offers permanent residence after three years.
Germany
Investing or establishing a business in Germany offers you a residence permit, which eventually leads to citizenship. The investment must meet an economic need and you have to have lived in Germany for five years to become a citizen.
Italy
The scheme is designed for foreign investors committed to making a significant contribution to the economy. Requires a minimum investment of €250,000 which can rise to €2 million.
Switzerland
Residence Programme offers residence to applicants and their families through economic contributions. The applicant must agree to pay an annual lump sum in tax.
Canada
Start-Up Visa Programme allows foreign entrepreneurs the opportunity to create a business in Canada and apply for permanent residence.
MATCH INFO
Osasuna 1 Real Madrid 4
Osasuna: García (14')
Real Madrid: Isco (33'), Ramos (38'), Vázquez (84'), Jovic (90' 2)
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Match info
Karnataka Tuskers 110-3
J Charles 35, M Pretorius 1-19, Z Khan 0-16
Deccan Gladiators 111-5 in 8.3 overs
K Pollard 45*, S Zadran 2-18
