Brazil Legend Ronaldinho Quits Football

Brazil World Cup winner Ronaldinho has finally pulled the curtains on a glittering career by announcing his retirement from football after over two decades, his brother and agent Roberto Assis has confirmed.

The 37-year-old, whose full names are Ronaldo de Assis Moreira has not played for a professional team since leaving Fluminense in 2015 and, last year July, he said on the sidelines of a friendly in Chechnya that was he was “too old” to return to action.

Roberto Assis confirmed the news of his brother’s decision in a column for the Brazilian media outlet O Globo and revealed plans for farewell tribute events after the 2018 World Cup – three years after Ronaldinho’s last club game.

“He has stopped, it is ended,” Assis said. “Let’s do something pretty big and nice after the Russia World Cup, probably in August. We will do various events in Brazil, Europe and Asia and, of course, we are arranging something with the Brazilian team as well.”

Ronaldinho started his career with Gremio in Brazil before moving to Europe with Paris Saint Germain in 2001. He went on to play for Barcelona and AC Mlan before returning to Brazil where he turned out for Flamengo, Atlético Mineiro and Fluminense, as well as a brief spell in Mexico with Querétaro.

The Brazil legend was also named FIFA World Player of the Year in 2004 and 2005.

He also featured for Brazil at the FIFA World Cup in 2002 and 2006 and scored 33 times in 97 games for the Selecao.