By Mandeep Sanghera

Cole could not stop Ronaldinho when Brazil beat England at the 2002 World Cup

Arsenal's Ashley Cole will be out to banish his Ronaldinho nightmare when he faces the Brazilian in the Champions League final against Barcelona.

Cole admits he was caught out when Ronaldinho set up Brazil's first goal against England in the 2002 World Cup.

"I've fell for one of his stepovers at the World Cup," said the left-back. "He nearly put me on the floor.

"He is an amazing player but hopefully it brings out the best in you when you play against the best in the world."

Ronaldinho picked up the ball in his own half during the quarter-final between the two countries in Japan before running at the heart of a backtracking England defence.

He laid the ball to Rivaldo to equalise for Brazil before his free-kick, which looped over keeper David Seaman, earned Brazil a 2-1 victory.

Ronaldinho was later sent-off but had already inflicted the damage.

The memory still lingers in Cole's memory but he has warned that Arsenal will also have to be wary of Barcelona's other attacking players, including striker Samuel Eto'o and midfielder Deco.

He's probably had a lot on his mind and to do what he has done he's been unbelievable Ashley Cole on Thierry Henry

He added: "It's not just Ronaldinho but Eto'o and Deco plus other great players and it is going to be a tough game."

Arsenal have their own star player in captain Thierry Henry and Cole has praised the striker for his goalscoring exploits this season, despite the speculation surrounding his future.

Barcelona are aiming to sign the Frenchman this summer, and Henry has repeatedly said he will decide his future before the World Cup starts next month.

"He's probably had a lot on his mind and to do what he has done he's been unbelievable," said Cole.

"He's a great captain and he gets everybody up for the game which you want your captain to do.

"He's scores goals and sets them up. What more do you want in a player? He's a great person as well."

"You always know he is going to give 100% and you always feel you are going to win the game with him in your side and he has done brilliant this season.

"People say he's a moaner but he's nothing like that. He's a great guy and a great player and a natural born winner."