RIO DE JANEIRO: Former world player of the year Ronaldinho has signed a four-year contract with Flamengo in a bid to revive his flagging career and win a place in Brazil’s 2014 World Cup squad.
“Ronaldo de Assis Moreira, or simply Ronaldinho Gaucho, will wear the Flamengo shirt,” said Flamengo on the website (www.flamengo.com.br).
Last week, Ronaldinho was given permission by AC Milan to seek a move home to Brazil after he failed to hold down his place with the Serie A team.
On Saturday, the Italian club’s vice-president Adriano Galliani said the two clubs had reached an agreement.
The 30-year-old, who had also been chased by Gremio, the club where he was raised, and Palmeiras, was overlooked by Brazil squad for the World Cup last year but is still hoping to make the squad in 2014.
“I can imagine these supporters in a full stadium,” said Ronaldinho. “The supporters can expect the best from me. I came back to Brazil and to play with Flamengo to give them this.
“I also hope that my performances can put me back in the Brazilian team again.”
Flamengo claim to be Brazil’s most popular club with 25 million supporters.
Ronaldinho reached his peak when he helped Brazil win the 2002 World Cup and then during a five-year spell with Barcelona, where he was twice voted FIFA’s World Player of the Year.
But after a disappointing performance at the 2006 World Cup, his partying lifestyle and lack of fitness began to show and he joined AC Milan in 2008.
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