Ronaldinho, Fluminense Agree to Contract Termination: Latest Details, Reaction
Sep 29, 2015
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - AUGUST 01: Ronaldinho of Fluminense during the Brasileirao Series A 2015 match between Fluminense and Gremio at Maracana Stadium on August 01, 2015 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by Carmen Flores/Getty Images)
Ronaldinho will depart Fluminense less than three months after his arrival at the Brazilian club following the termination of his contract by mutual consent.
The former Ballon d'Or winner only arrived at Fluminense in July and departs after making just nine largely ineffective appearances.
Per the club's website (h/t ESPN FC), Fluminense acknowledged the contribution made by Ronaldinho and the professionalism with which he conducted himself:
Fluminense hereby announces the breaking of their contract with Ronaldinho Gaucho in an amicable form and in mutual agreement between both parties. Since first contract with directors, the athlete and his representatives treated the club with professionalism and respect. Fluminense and Ronaldinho will proceed with ties maintained and plans to work on other projects in the future. It's important to mention that the signing corresponded with our expectations in relation to marketing returns, increased ticket sales, sales of shirts and number of socios.
The 35-year-old joined the Rio de Janeiro outfit following a short spell at Mexican club Queretaro.
He endured poor form in the matches he played at Fluminense and now seems a far cry from the player he once was, per Brazilian football writer Paulo Freitas:
Ronaldinho Gaúcho played only 9 games for Fluminense and was poor, he didn't score any goals, made no assists and was booed by Flu fans.
A World Cup winner with Brazil in 2002, and a Champions League and two-time La Liga winner with Barcelona in the mid-2000s, Ronaldinho was crowned FIFA World Player of the Year in 2004 and 2005.
However, he has consistently failed to perform anywhere near to that sort of level since departing Barca for AC Milan 2008.
Following his time in Italy Ronaldinho had spells at Flamengo and Atletico Mineiro before joining Queretaro.
It is unclear whether he will now choose to retire or move to another club, but football writer Kristian Sturt has a speculative suggestion for where the legendary Brazilian should move to next:
Ronaldinho has canceled his contract with Fluminense by mutual consent. He his once again a free agent. @QPR?!
While Ronaldinho still shows flashes of his former brilliance with the odd piece of stunning skill, he no longer seems to have the drive needed to perform at a consistently high level.
However, he will undoubtedly attract offers from a variety of clubs as his commercial value is still significant.
Fluminense will this weekend take on Vasco da Gama in the final round of the 2012 Brazilian championship with a number of first-team players already on their summer holiday after wrapping up a famous title success with three games to spare...
