Ronaldinho has found a new home, at least temporarily.
Less than a week after leaving Flamengo, the two-time FIFA player of the year has signed with Brazilian club Atletico Mineiro in a deal that will keep him there through 2012. Ronaldinho was successful in getting his contract with Flamengo terminated last week, making him a free agent. He then went on to file suit against his former club to the tune of $20 million.
Flamengo has admitted having difficulty paying his salary after sports marketing group Traffic, which paid most of his wages, ended its partnership with the team. However, the club was adamant that Ronaldinho's asking price was too high and was quick to point out that the former Brazilian national's behavior was anything but professional.
He reportedly had an argument with coach Vanderlei Luxemburgo, forcing club officials to fire the former Brazil and Real Madrid coach, and recently he also seemed to be at odds with current Flamengo coach Joel Santana, who used to lead South Africa.
Two months ago, Flamengo's biggest fan group published a letter on its website criticizing Ronaldinho and chastising him for his alleged appearances at parties and nightclubs.
"What happened with Flamengo is in the past,'' Ronaldinho said. "Now it's a new phase in my career and my future is with Atletico.''
And Atletico could use the help. The club has not won any significant titles since 1997. In 2005, it was relegated to Brazil's second division before returning to the top division the following year.
While playing in Europe during the prime of his career, Ronaldinho was widely considered the best player in the world. He helped Barcelona win La Liga twice as well as the Champions League in 2006 before moving to AC Milan and capturing the Serie A title in 2011.
Ronaldinho returned to Brazil in 2011 after a decade of playing in Europe. He signed with Flamengo, Brazil's most popular club, in part because of their huge fan base. He led the club to the Rio de Janeiro state championship in his first year there but then struggled with poor performances and off field controversies.
Ronaldinho is expected to make his debut with his new club on Wednesday against Bahia in the Brazilian league.
