"He reminds me of Ronaldinho" - Thiago Motta's old comment on Manchester United signing Joshua Zirkzee resurfaces

Manchester United fans will be thrilled to hear that Joshua Zirkzee's former manager, Thiago Motta, once compared their new signing to Barcelona icon Ronaldinho. The Dutch forward has arrived at Old Trafford from Serie A side Bologna in a £36.5 million deal that will be paid in installments.

Zirkzee, 23, is the first signing of the INEOS era and an exciting talent Motta raved out about while coaching him at the Stadio Renato Dall'Ara. The Italian coach alluded to the two iconic forwards the Netherlands international looks up to. He feels he's more similar to a 2005 Ballon d'Or winner, Ronaldinho (via Premier League's official website):

"He said his idols are Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Gabriel Batistuta, who are two excellent players, but, seeing him day-to-day, he reminds me of the Ronaldinho I played with at Barcelona."

Motta insisted the Dutchman was a unique talent:

"But I cannot compare him to anyone. He is just Joshua, and he is special."

Zirkzee starred for Bologna last season when they finished fifth in Serie A, which means they'll be in next season's UEFA Champions League. The 6ft3in striker posted 12 goals and seven assists in 37 games across competitions.

A comparison to Ronaldinho is a massive compliment, given the Barca hero is one of football's all-time greats. The Selecao star is arguably the most entertaining trickster to have graced the game, registering 94 goals and 71 assists in 207 games at Camp Nou.

The former Bayern Munich youngster is a different profile to Ronaldinho as he predominantly plays his football in a centre-forward role. He offers versatility as he can also play as a second striker.

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"I'm ready for this next challenge" - Zirkzee reacts to his move to Manchester United

Zirkzee has promised Manchester United fans that he's ready for the challenge of playing for one of Europe's big guns and winning trophies. He gave an insight into his mentality when speaking to the club's media after his transfer was announced:

"I am a player who has always dedicated everything to winning; I’m ready for this next challenge, to go to another level in my career and win more trophies."

The Dutch attacker won't be linking up with the Red Devils' squad for pre-season just yet:

"It is a privilege to join such an iconic club. I have to take a short break now after being with the national team, but I’ll be coming back ready to make an impact straight away."

Zirkzee could debut in Manchester United's pre-season friendly against Liverpool on August 4. If he fails to make that game, all signs point to a debut in the Community Shield against Manchester City.