Andres Iniesta on Ronaldinho: Barcelona star tricked team into thinking he was leaving just days before El Clasico in 2005
Spanish international tells incredible story of how former Ballon d'Or winner inspired club to famous Bernabeu win
RONALDINHO was always a magician on the field.
His speed, dribbling skill and finishing left many defenders asking what had just happened - and it seems the Brazilian star was just as tricky in the dressing room.
Just months after leading Barcelona to their first title in six years, Ronaldinho - who has returned to Barcelona as an ambassador - was linked with a shock move to rivals Real Madrid.
It was only the start of his third season at the club but the winger had already become the team's best player and arguably the best in the world - losing him would be catastrophic.
In his new autobiography, which will be released later this week, Andres Iniesta has revealed an incredible story about Ronaldinho.
A few days before the Clasico against Real Madrid, 'Dinho' called me at home at night. I answered and he told me 'Andrés, I know it's 3am, but I have to confess something.
In June I will be leaving Barca. My brother has an agreement with Real Madrid.
It's an incredible amount that I can't refuse.
You're young, you can understand...But please do not tell anyone in the locker room or the club, do not betray me, I trust you more than anyone. Andrés, good night'.
He didn't give me time to say anything.
The next day, we were in training camp and I felt an awkward atmosphere around me.
The whole team was silent and they were all greeting Ronaldinho like never...
When the day of the Clasico came, in the locker rooms of Santiago Bernabeu 'Dinho told us: 'Guys, today is a very important game, they are strong, but these days I discovered that we were like a family.
I called each of you during the night and I told you that I was leaving in June, but none of you spoke.
After that I realised that we were ready to suffer in silence rather than betray each other.
I'll stay here again for a long time...now let's go into the field and give a lesson to these players of Madrid!
Andres Iniesta on Ronaldino
Barcelona would go on to win 3-0 at the Bernabeu - Ronldinho scoring two wonderful goals.