What next for Ronaldinho?

Ronaldinho, the Brazilian world cup winner, last week announced that he was leaving Athletico Mineiro and was now a free agent on the market. His brother and agent, Roberto de Assis had claimed that Ronaldinho would announce his new club in a couple of days but no announcements have been made yet.

The former Barcelona superstar’s last appearance for Mineiero was in the second leg of the Recopa Sudamericana, which they won 5-3 on aggregate over Lanus of Argentina. During the time that he played for Mineiro, he helped them win Campeonato Mineiro and also led his club to its first ever title of Copa Libertadores. He ended his time at Athletico Mineiro with figures of 28 goals and 28 assists in the 80 games that he played for them.

As soon as the news broke out of the Brazilian superstar being on the market, it prompted interest from clubs all around the world including MLS and A-League. It was strongly rumoured that he would be joining the MLS team New York Red Bulls, but the sporting director of that club refuted any suggestions that Ronaldinho was offered to them or vice versa. Lou Sticca, a player agent in the A-League confirmed that efforts are being put in to lure the two times FIFA World Player of the Year to Australia. Even Queen Park Rangers, who have been promoted to the English Premier League this year, are supposedly trying to woo him to the club.

With New York City Football Club having signed Lampard and Villa this season, all eyes were on New York Red Bulls to bring in big names and that is where the Ronaldinho rumour started. But after the rumours were cleared by the club, A-League teams and QPR seem to be the ones fighting for him. The main focus is on Harry Redknapp, the QPR manager and a couple of A-league teams who haven’t yet signed their international marquee players for the upcoming season. QPR fans though don’t seem to be keen on the Ronaldinho prospect because the club has just been promoted and they need young and fast players and not a passenger.

On being asked if Ronaldinho is retiring soon, his brother said, “He will play until he is 42”. So retirement surely is not a question here. Ronaldinho will play but it will stay a mystery as to where he goes until he makes the announcement. One thing is for sure – he’s an entertainer and there would be entertainment wherever he decides to go next.