Ronaldinho fulfils boyhood dream with overhead goal

MADRID, Nov 26 (Reuters) Ronaldinho said that he fulfilled a childhood dream by wrapping up Barcelona's 4-0 win over Villarreal with his spectacular overhead kick three minutes from time.

Lurking in the Villarreal area, the Brazilian controlled a lofted pass from Xavi with his chest, swivelled round with his back to goal and then fired a stunning bicycle kick over the head of keeper Mariano Barbosa and high into the net yesterday.

''I didn't really think too much about it because it just happened on the spur of the moment,'' said the 26-year-old who had scored Barca's opener from the penalty spot.

''When I controlled the ball it stood up just right and everything else worked out perfectly.

''Ever since I was a young boy I've dreamed of scoring a goal like that.

''I'm never going to forget this goal. Now I have to try for my other dream goal which is to score from the halfway line.'' The Nou Camp gave Ronaldinho a standing ovation after the goal, while Barca coach Frank Rijkaard admitted had left him gasping in admiration.

''Ronaldinho's second goal was the sort of marvel that provokes strong emotions from Barcelona and all football fans alike,'' said the Dutchman. ''This sort of performance will help strengthen the side in matches to come.'' Barca keeper Victor Valdes said he had been the victim of similar goals in training.

''He's scored some like that against me in practice games and it's a nightmare,'' he told reporters. ''It is no accident.'' Barca's emphatic win put them four points clear at the Primera Liga, with second-placed Sevilla travelling to Athletic Bilbao today.

REUTERS PM RK1425