Ronaldinho signs with Atletico Mineiro

Atletico Mineiro have confirmed the signing of Ronaldinho, just days after his acrimonious departure from Flamengo.

The Brazil international and two-time FIFA World Player of the Year parted company with Flamengo on Friday.

Ronaldinho was given permission to unilaterally rescind his contract with the club by the Rio de Janeiro Labour Court because a dispute over unpaid wages, with the 32-year-old claiming he is owed over 16 million euros.

Following speculation linking Ronaldinho with Palmeiras and Chinese outfit Guangzhou R&F, Atletico Mineiro confirmed the signing of the attacker until the end of the year.

Atletico Mineiro president Alexandre Kalil said: “He is not just any player, he is Ronaldinho.

“I have a reputation as a madman but I am not mad enough to turn down the chance to sign Ronaldinho.”

The former Barcelona ace had earlier been spotted in Atletico Mineiro colours at the club’s training ground.

Ronaldinho only joined Flamengo from AC Milan in January 2011 but his time at the club was marked with controversy.

Relations between the player and the club had become increasingly strained in recent weeks, with vice-president Paulo Cesar Coutinho last week slating the World Cup winner.

Ronaldinho could debut for Atletico Mineiro in their Brazil Serie A clash against Bahia on Wednesday.