Ghanaian forward Francis Atuahene has revealed that Ronaldinho was his major role model when he was young.
Francis Atuahene's "A Dream is Born" mini-documentary aired last week. The documentary captured the 22-year-old's journey from the grassless pitches of Techiman to Right to Dream Academy and to becoming a professional soccer player, featuring in the Major League Soccer.
In the film, there is a picture of Ronaldinho on the wall of Atuahene's dormitory.
"I grew up watching him[Ronaldinho] play all the time and I enjoyed it," Atuahene said in response to Ronaldinho's picture on his wall.
"There are certain times that I almost gave up on my dreams. But I get motivated after watching him.
"I have always tried to mould my game like him. Obviously, there's only one Ronaldinho but he always served as a mentor for me when I was growing up especially in difficult times."
Ronaldinho was widely regarded as one of the best footballers in the world during the prime of his career. Most remembered for his successful stint at Barcelona, the two-time FIFA world player of the year has also played for Paris Saint-Germain and AC Milan.
For Atuahene he is hoping to make his mark in the MLS this year with FC Dallas after spending the previous season on loan in USL.