Barcelona and Brazil icon Ronaldinho on Wednesday called time on a glittering career, ending a journey that began at the turn of the millenniaum and the 37-year-old had a special post for all his Intagram followers to mark the momentous day.
A post shared by Ronaldo de Assis Moreira (@ronaldinho) on
The lengthy post, when translated, reads:
“Thank you, My God, for this live you gave me, family, friends and my first profession!
After almost three decades dedicated to football, I say goodbye to my greatest dream, a dream that came true! I did what I loved most professional for 20 years and 10 as basic training. I lived intensely, this dream of a child, every moment, travel, victories, defeats, the review, National Anthem, the walk in the tunnel, entry in the field, the cleats I used, the good and bad balls, tribes that I won, the stars that I played with and against, ones I admired and do so till today!
Anyway everything was amazing!
My father and my family supported me a lot to get here, it was a team job. We come to the end of the first stage with a beautiful story to tell…you know me and you know well that I am shy and an not accustomed to talking much, but I have to tell you thank you very much, from the heart, because I did what I love with the help of all, coaches, whole federations, leaders, twisted for and against, the bus driver, the closet, the ball, the referee and the press.
Thank you, we built this together, without you nothing would be possible … in the month of March we will make an announcement of what this farewell and the next steps will be.
From now, here goes my thank you.
That famous phrase ‘gracias vieja’ for being my source of inspiration for so long and companions of many victories! Thank you for all the messages and affection! A strong hug, I was very happy making this sport my life and profession.”
Ronaldinho, who won the Ballon d’Or in 2005 whilst starring for Barcelona, had become a journeyman in the final stages of his career. The toothy superstar, who won the World Cup with Brazil and the UEFA Champions League with Barcelona, had been unable to find a club since departing Brazilian side Fluminense in 2015.
The 37-year-old had been playing exhibition matches for the past two years and his post upon officially retiring hints at something special to come in March and while a tryst with management cannot be ruled out, it is unlikely that he will be donning a tracksuit anytime soon.
Considering he is already a club ambassador for Barcelona, he could perhaps take a larger role at the Nou Camp or could focus entirely on his football academies.