Former Barcelona and World Cup star Ronaldinho officially retires from professional soccer
Brazilian’s brother and agent Roberto Assis says the ‘magician’ is looking to play a series of farewell friendly matches
Ronaldinho, “the ever-smiling magician” of Barcelona, as described by his former club, has ended his professional career.
Roberto Assis, the brother and agent of the 2005 Ballon d’Or winner, announced the 37-year-old wants to play a series of farewell matches from August – and then focus on his already busy life off the pitch.
Ronaldinho played his last professional match in 2015 for Brazilian club Fluminense.
“Ronnie’s professional career is over. He wants to be a football ambassador, do charity, and work with his friends in music from now on,” Assis said.
Assis hopes to schedule some farewell matches for Ronaldinho after the World Cup in Russia, which ends July 15.
The initial plan is to play games in Brazil, Europe and Asia and to also get Brazil’s national team involved, Assis said.