Brazil great Ronaldinho on offer to A-League
Brazil legend Ronaldinho is on the market and reportedly being shopped around to A-League clubs.
The 34-year-old former Barcelona star and two-times FIFA World Player of the Year has split with Atletico Mineiro, sparking interest from clubs around the world.
Player agent Lou Sticca, who helped engineer the deal that brought Italian superstar Alessandro Del Piero to Sydney FC, said there had been interest in Ronaldinho becoming the latest big name to play in Australia.
“Some calls have already been made and now it’s up to A-League clubs to make a play for him,” Sticca told foxsports.com.au.
“Anything’s possible and he’s exactly the sort we should be bringing here.”
Ronaldhino has spent the past three years in Brazil after leaving Europe, where he spent a decade with top clubs Barcelona, AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain.
Argentinean giants Boca Juniors, Brazilian side Fluminense and Major League Soccer clubs are reportedly chasing the forward, who has scored 33 goals in 97 appearances for his country and helped them win the 2002 World Cup.
Sticca said the Australian lifestyle could appeal to Ronaldinho.
“It would be a new frontier, he’d love lifestyle and the way fans would respect him,” he said.
“He’s globally recognisable and an entertainer.”
But Sticca admitted Australian clubs would be battling against the odds to sign the world-renowned star.
“He’s got a raft of representation, layer upon layer. It’s difficult to get to his decision maker and take it from there, but there’s definitely Australian interest.”
Perth Glory have already ruled out filling their two available marquee spots this season following the departure of New Zealand striker Shane Smeltz and former France international defender William Gallas.
