Ronaldinho severs ties with Fluminense by mutual consent
After three underwhelming months at Campeonato Brasileiro side Fluminense, Brazilian legend Ronaldinho has ended his tenure at the top-flight club by mutual agreement.
Following an equally disastrous spell with Mexican side Queretaro, the World Cup winner returned home to play for Fluminense, where he failed to score a goal or provide an assist for the Rio de Janeiro outfit.
A statement on the club's official website Monday put an end to a disappointing spell for the 35-year-old midfield maestro.
"Fluminense hereby announces the end of the contract with Ronaldinho amicably and in mutual agreement between the parties. Fluminense and Ronaldinho retain close ties and plan to work on other projects in the future.
It should be noted that the player’s hiring met all expectations with regarding to marketing returns, increasing ticket and shirt sales for the club as well as attracting a number of partners. Ronaldinho’s recruitment also showed that Fluminense are capable of attracting the greatest players in world football."
An interesting announcement from a side that currently languish in 12th place in Brazil's top tier, valuing revenues over performances on the pitch, placing profits before results aided by an aging legend.
How the mighty have fallen. Once the world's most dynamic footballer and an emblem of Brazil's panache, now a marketing tool and a means to sell jerseys.
- With translation from The Guardian