Former AC Milan star, Ronaldinho, retires from football

Ronaldo de Assis Moreira, better known to you and the world as Ronaldinho, a Copa America, Confederations Cup, World Cup, Copa Libertadores, Champions League, Serie A, La Liga, and U-17 World Cup winner, dazzled for multiple teams in his time over the pond from his native Brazil. Ronaldinho also suited up for teams like Gremio, Flamengo, Atletico Mineiro and Queretaro in Mexico.

It’s his stint at Barcelona that is perhaps where he enjoyed his best spell. Winning a few Ballon d’Or, Champions League and La Liga titles, he played at his best. And who could forget all the goals he made and cheeky displays of skill during matches?

At Milan of course, after arriving in July 2008 from Barcelona, he scored his first goal for Milan against the eternal rival Internazionale and went on to have a strong first season with the Rossoneri, scoring 10 goals from 32 appearances. His next two years were not as prosper and despite playing in only 11 games in his last six months at the club, he is credited with a Serie A winners medal being on the team that year. Most memorably from his time at Milan are the times he scored a hat-trick against Siena and his goals against Juventus where he scored twice, in then manager Leonardo’s last game.

Internationally, with Brazil he won the 2002 World Cup and the U-17 World Cup as well as the Copa America. It was at that World Cup in 2002 where he made his name as he shined alongside players like Ronaldo, Rivaldo, Roberto Carlos and Cafu. He played all tournament and although he missed the semi final he returned for the final where Brazil claimed its fifth World Cup beating Germany 2-0.

While Milan did not see Ronaldinho’s best form, they still got a flamboyant and exciting player who could, under the right circumstances, still show why he is regarded as one of the all time greats.

Thank you, Ronaldinho, for all the memories.