Barcelona Ronaldinho Chosen for FIFA 08 Mascot

Despite Barcelona's up and down season, the Brazilian's stock remains sky high, and he will lead the line of international superstars to be featured by the videogame producers.

Players of various nationalities will be chosen to partner him in regional versions, particularly in Spain, Germany, France and Greece, with Ronaldinho leading the world-wide English release.

The other players are:

Sergio Ramos (Spanish, Real Madrid, to feature in Spain), Miroslav Klose (German, Werder Bremen, Germany) Andreas Ivanschitz (Austrian, Panathinaikos, Greece), Tranquillo Barnetta (Swiss, Bayer Leverkusen, Germany), Florent Malouda (French, Olympique Lyonnais, France), Franck Ribery (French, Olympique Marseille, France).

"We are proud to call some of the world’s best football athletes our partners," said Joe Booth, senior producer for FIFA 08.

"The access, guidance and insight they give us means that FIFA 08 will create a next gen experience that not only looks authentic, but that captures the emotion, finesse and beauty of the game."

"Ronaldinho and all the FIFA 08 cover stars bring a passion for the sport that is raw and true. They enjoy helping us bring that real-world experience into the game," continued Matt Bilbey, International Director, EA SPORTS.

"Their expert skills, commitment to success and passion for football inspire our development team and help us make FIFA 08 the most natural-feeling football videogame in the world."

Ronaldinho himself took the opportunity to reiterate his desire to continue with Barcelona.

"I am very happy at Barcelona, and I do not imagine going anywhere else," he said. "I want to win the league, and then look at the future.

"I want to continue here, to be a part of this club's history, and to fight for trophies."

Speaking about Berlusconi's recent comments, he said it gave him "joy" to be acknowledged, and simply served as "a motivation to continue playing well."

"After our latest win, we are very motivated to continue in the same way," he said, speaking about the title race. "We will not look at Real Madrid, only at ourselves."

http://www.goal.com/en/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=311535