Despite massive rumours linking the Brazilian striker, Ronaldinho, with a transfer to Besiktas in Turkey, his Brazilian club, Atletico Mineiro, confirmed yesterday that he has signed a new contract.
The former Barcelona and AC Milan midfielder joined Atletico in June 2012 and won the Copa Libertadores with them last year, the first time he or the Brazilian club had won South America’s biggest competition.
The announcement of Ronaldinho's contract extension only came one day after European newspapers had already reported he has agreed terms with Besiktas.
“Atletico agreed to renew the contract of playmaker Ronaldinho,” announced club president, Alexandre Kalil, on Twitter.
Shortly after the club’s announcement, Ronaldinho also confirmed the extension: “I’m very happy, (we) will be another year together!”
The 33-year-old has scored 17 goals and got 11 assists in 36 games in the past year, and was named the 2013 South American Player of the Year by El Pais, the Uruguayan newspaper.
Despite not making the final squad for the 2010 World Cup, he has been recalled to the Selecao over the past two years, but again was not selected for the national team for the 2013 Confederations Cup.
However, the 2004 and 2005 FIFA Player of the Year showed his class at the recent FIFA Club World Cup, where he guided his team to finishing third.
Does Ronaldinho still have enough class to play at his home World Cup in Brazil? Have your say in the comment section below.
