Brazil legend, Ronaldinho retires at the age of 37
World Cup champion and former Ballon d'Or winner, Ronaldinho has announced his retirement from professional football. The legendary play-maker hasn't played professionally since leaving Brazilian outfit Fluminense in 2015. Capped 97 times by Brazil, Ronaldinho was one of the stars who led them to World Cup glory in 2002, where he scored 2 goals in the campaign. Here's all about the legend's career.
Tribute matches to be played to honor Ronaldinho
Ronaldinho's brother and agent, Roberto Assis confirmed the news of his retirement and has said farewell tribute matches will be held to honor his brother's contribution to the sport. The tribute matches will mostly be held post the FIFA World Cup in Russia, 3 years after his last professional match. Ronaldinho's long-time sponsors Nike have been onboarded for the farewell tribute.
Glittering career comes to an end
Ronaldinho began his career with Gremio in Brazil before signing for PSG in 2001. He then moved to Barcelona where he had the best years of this career. His flamboyant lifestyle ended his 5-year stay at Barcelona and he was shipped off to AC Milan where his powers slowly began fading away. He returned to Brazil in 2011 to Flamengo & then Fluminense.
Ronaldinho will always be remembered for his "magic tricks"
At the peak of his powers, Ronaldinho was one of mother nature's magicians. He was blessed with exceptional technique, speed, and ball control. He wooed the audiences across the globe with his trickery, a natural showman. His audacious goals were just an added bonus. Ronaldinho was one of football's superstars as he got fans glued to their seats to watch him play.
Partying and lavish lifestyle led to his downfall
But one thing has always surprised fans, as meteoric was the Brazilian's rise, his fall from grace was quicker. After rising to stardom in Barcelona and having won everything a footballer would wish for, Ronaldinho lost his motivation. The play-maker spent more time partying and lived a lavish lifestyle which saw him fall out of favor with new Barcelona coach, Pep Guardiola.
One of football's biggest superstars
Ronaldinho was sold by Barcelona, despite him being their biggest superstar. Pep Guardiola feared his lifestyle would infect the lives of rising superstar, Lionel Messi. Ronaldinho moved to AC Milan but could not find the same form he enjoyed in Catalonia. He was dropped from Brazil's 2010 World cup squad and the greatest play-maker of all time, slowly faded away into oblivion.
Ronaldinho's personal honours
FIFA Confederations Cup Golden Ball: 1999 FIFA Confederations Cup Golden Shoe: 1999 FIFA World Player of the Year: 2004, 2005 World Soccer Magazine World Player of the Year: 2004, 2005 Ballon d'Or: 2005 FIFPro World Player of the Year: 2005, 2006 UEFA Club Footballer of the Year: 2005-06 South American Footballer of the Year: 2013
Ronaldinho's team honours
Ronaldinho won the La Liga twice in 2004-05, 2005-06, Spanish Super Cup in 2005 and 2006, UEFA Champions League in 2005-06 with Barcelona. At AC Milan, he led them to Serie A triumph in 2010-11. At Atlético Mineiro, he won the Copa Libertadores in 2013 and Recopa-Sudamericana in 2014. With Brazil, he won Copa América 1999, FIFA World Cup 2002, FIFA Confederations Cup 2005.
