Milan's renaissance man brings hope

The crooked smile of Da Vinci's Mona Lisa will always be more famous, but Ronaldinho's infectious grin is beginning to capture another Leonardo's heart after he scored a hat-trick in AC Milan's 4-0 victory over AC Siena on Sunday.

'I am happy'
The Brazilian struck Milan's first, third and fourth goals in a triumph that takes them to within six points – with a game in hand – of Serie A leaders FC Internazionale Milano ahead of Sunday's city derby. The goal that completed his hat-trick, a stunning strike from outside the penalty area, brought a resounding reception from a San Siro crowd that Ronaldinho has eminently warmed to. "I feel loved and respected," he said. "I'm happy. I go on the field upbeat and always try to give my best to give our fans great emotions."

Complimentary words
The 29-year-old seems to be returning to the kind of form that won him successive FIFA World Player of the Year awards with FC Barcelona in 2004 and 2005. The Nerazzurri are next in his sights. "Inter are among the best teams in the world right now and [in José Mourinho] they have one of the best coaches in the world," Ronaldinho said. "We have to respect them, continue to work hard and try to beat them on Sunday."

Impressive run
The Rossoneri may have been slow getting out of the blocks this season but a run of just one league defeat in 13 games, as well as Ronaldinho's continued resurgence, has prompted optimism from their coach. "It's right that he feels the love of the people here," said Leonardo. "He is making everybody happy. He has rediscovered the joy of doing spectacular things on the pitch. We must forget this talk of him being reborn; he was reborn some time ago. I think the derby arrives at a great time. The fact we are closer to them now makes everything more exciting. Both teams will respect the other and I think it'll be an extraordinary game."