Ronaldinho looks set for a sensational return home to his native Brazil according to reports. The GloboEsporte.com website claims that the two time ‘FIFA World Player of the Year’ has verbally agreed a switch to Flamengo despite still having a year to run on his Milan contract.
The 30 year old moved to The Rossoneri in the summer of 2008 from FC Barcelona but has struggled to recapture the form where he dazzled those in La Liga with his flamboyant footwork and masterful craft with a ball at his feet. His first season in Italy had been quite a struggle but last season he began to show flashes of his genius once again.
He does however still have a year to run on his contract but reports are suggesting the members of the Milan board are willing to sanction his release by buying out his remaining year where they could end up saving €16 million.
Club owner Silvio Berlusconi is very fond of the World Cup winner and highly respects him as an individual. Despite confessing last week that the club need to cut back on costs it would be difficult for Berlusconi to see ‘Dinho’ leave.
A host of clubs have been linked including Olympiakos and David Beckham’s Los Angeles Galaxy. At the moment a return home looks very much on the cards as Flamengo President Patricia Amorim publically stated that she has had discussions with the player as he envisages the prospect of adorning the club shirt.
“I’ve heard directly from him: Ronaldinho already wants to come join us this year.”
She was quoted as saying (according to Il Corriere dello Sport).
It has certainly been a significant fall from grace for Ronaldinho who has cemented his place in the football archives as one of the most technically gifted footballers in history. At 30 years of age you would feel he still has plenty more to offer.
Last season he scored 12 goals in 34 Serie A starts for Milan but was unable to force his way into Dunga’s Brazil squad for the World Cup despite his rejuvenation over the course of the season.
‘Dinho’ is currently on vacation in Rio de Janeiro where he is certainly pondering his future, and may be about to plan for a much a longer stay there than he originally envisaged. Rio being the home of Flamengo.
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