Daily Times

The Brazilian World Cup winner and 2005 FIFA World Player of the Year Ronaldinho has officially retired from football, his brother confirmed on Tuesday.

Ronaldinho – who is known as the ‘King of Freestyle’ for his um-matched ability on the ball –had his humble beginnings in Brazil’s club Gremio. Later, he was signed by French club Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in 2001 where he spent the next two years of his career. The Brazilian’s instrumental performances in his country’s World Cup 2002 triumph got him offers from some of the Europe’s elite clubs, and it was Barcelona who he chose.

His five-year stay at the Camp Nou was undoubtedly Ronaldinho’s most successful period of his illustrious career. He won numerous individual and team accolades during his stay at Barcelona, including two league titles and a UEFA Champions League trophy in 2005. During that period, the Brazilian became a household name, and not just for football-ing reasons, but for his extremely humble and pleasant personality. To this day, people adore the 37-year-old magician.

In 2008, Barcelona experienced a change in administration, with Pep Guardiola replacing Frank Rijkaard, and Ronaldinho was subsequently sold to AC Milan. For the next 7 years, he had brief spells with Milan and three Brazilian clubs – Flamengo, Atletico Mineiro and Fluminese. As of 2015, the 37-year-old was not signed with any club.

The football world would certainly miss Ronaldinho.