Manchester United star Kobbie Mainoo opened up on his admiration for his favourite player of all time and the all-important trait he adopted himself from his idol.
Kobbie Mainoo signed off the 2023-24 campaign at Manchester United in stunning fashion with his winner in the FA Cup final against Manchester City.
The 19-year-old United midfielder was in his breakout season at Old Trafford, with Mainoo becoming a key first-team player for manager Erik ten Hag.
Mainoo missed the opening of the Premier League campaign due to injury before he made his return in the sensational 3-0 win over Everton last November.
The United star has earned high praise for his impact in the 2023-24 season, with Mainoo starting in all 24 of his Premier League appearances for the Red Devils.
Mainoo’s exploits at club level even caught the eye of England boss Gareth Southgate, who initially snubbed him for the March international break.
However, the United-linked Gareth Southgate made a U-turn on his decision and Mainoo earned his call-up to the senior England squad.
Mainoo is tipped to play a starring role at Euro 2024 in Germany this summer after he earned a place in Southgate’s provisional 33-man England squad.
Mainoo on his favourite player
Kobbie Mainoo has become a linchpin midfield figure for Manchester United, despite emerging into the first team at such a young age.
The England international, who came through the United youth academy, has previously opened up about Ronaldinho being a major influence on him.
Ronaldinho had a prolific playing career at club level and on the international stage, with the Brazil legend considered one of the best players of all time.
The 44-year-old Brazilian superstar was even linked with United when legendary former manager Sir Alex Ferguson was in charge at Old Trafford.
Speaking to Dazed magazine, Mainoo admitted that he loved how Ronaldinho would ‘express himself’ and how he “played with a smile on his face.”
The Three Lions and United star said that Ronaldinho always looked like he was “having fun” on the pitch and he shared a similar connection to him for that reason.
Speaking on former Barcelona star Ronaldinho, Mainoo said: “Mainly because he expressed himself and played with a smile on his face.
“He always looked like he was having fun, and that’s how I [felt] about football. I thought it was fun and I still do.”
Mainoo on Man Utd star’s influence
Mainoo opened up about his time playing alongside United defender Raphael Varane, who will leave Old Trafford in the summer once his contract expires.
The United midfielder revealed that Raphael Varane shared “one thing” with him and Mainoo admitted that it had a transformative impact on him.
“Raphael told me one thing which was great advice: the best investment you make is investing in your body,” Mainoo said.
“Obviously, as a footballer, your body is your instrument, it’s what you use. So, I took that on board.”
He added: “Obviously, I see physios outside of the club to keep myself fresh, but most of the time I just like to chill.”