Ronaldinho's retirement from football confirmed by brother

The childlike genius is calling time.

Ronaldinho's retirement from football was confirmed on Tuesday by his brother and agent, Roberto de Assis Moreira. In an interview with Gente Boa, a column in O Globo, Assis said farewell games are already being prepared.

"He stopped," Assis declared. "Ended. Let's do something pretty big, nice, after the Russia World Cup, probably in August. We will do various events in Brazil, Europe, and Asia. And, of course, we are arranging a game with the Brazilian team."

Ronaldinho last played in 2015, when he joined Fluminense and a predictable sequence of events unfolded. The two-time FIFA World Player of the Year had his contract ripped up just over two months after joining the Tricolor, and exited having made just seven appearances. As Tim Vickery wrote about his seventh and final appearance, he wandered around the pitch "like a long-retired player who had turned up for a charity match." It was clear he wasn't in good enough physical shape.

It wasn't the first time Ronaldinho, once one of the most glamorous names in football, failed to make an impact. Before his spell at Fluminense, Gallos de Queretaro showed him the door, ending their relationship after just 25 appearances for the Mexican club.

The last of Ronaldinho's good times were witnessed at Clube Atletico Mineiro, where he sparkled while playing alongside Bernard, Diego Tardelli, and Jo. He helped the Galo conquer the Copa Libertadores in 2013, but the spell finished on a bad note. The Brazilian club was embarrassed at the Club World Cup as he merely took free-kicks. The writing was on the wall. His expiration date was approaching.

There were also good times at AC Milan, but not since 2006, when Ronaldinho represented Barcelona, was he a central figure on the pitch. He declined at an early age, seemingly falling out of love with football and showing no interest in making the necessary sacrifices to play at the highest level. The day after Pep Guardiola was appointed as the Blaugrana's manager, the tactician stated: "If I felt that he wanted to be the player he was again, he would be here." That was 2008.

The last decade of Ronaldinho's career was a stark contrast to his early years. He was twice named FIFA World Player of the Year - 2004 and 2005 - and was the youngest of the Three R's - the holy trinity of Ronaldo, Rivaldo, and Ronaldinho - as Brazil won the 2002 World Cup. At one point, it felt like there weren't limits to what he could do. He received a standing ovation at the Santiago Bernabeu as Barcelona ripped apart Real Madrid in 2005-06. There was nobody better with a ball at their feet.

Unfortunately, Ronaldinho stuttered toward the finish line, and confirmation of his retirement wasn't the spectacle supporters believed it would be a long time ago.