Mineiro keen to keep Ronaldinho

Ronaldinho may extend his stay with Atletico Mineiro having impressed since joining from Flamengo in June.

The former Barcelona and AC Milan star helped Atletico mount an unlikely title challenge, although a first championship for over 40 years now looks unlikely after slipping nine points off the pace with just four games remaining in the Brazil Serie A.

In recognition of the contribution made by Ronaldinho throughout the campaign, Atletico are now looking to extend the 32-year-old’s contract.

“Ronaldinho deserves a renewal for another season for what he did,” director of football Eduardo Maluf told Terra.

“At the right moment, we will talk to him about it. We will spare no efforts to renew the contract with him.”

The comments follow speculation that Fluminense are preparing a bid to take the player back to Rio de Janeiro.