A number of Australian clubs may look to break the bank in an attempt to secure the services of veteran Brazilian star Ronaldinho in the A-League.
The midfielder announced his decision to leave Atletico Mineiro of Brazilian city Belo Horizonte on Monday after a two-year stint at the club.
Lou Sticca, the player agent who helped broker the Alessandro Del Piero to Sydney deal, told Fox Sports that a plan to bring Ronaldinho to Australia is already in motion.
“Some calls have already been made and now it’s up to A-League clubs to make a play for him,” he said.
“Anything’s possible and he’s exactly the sort we should be bringing here.”
A-League clubs will have a battle on their hands to lock down the former World Cup star with the likes of Stoke City, Brazilian club Fluminense and US teams in the MLS also representing potential suitors with cash backings.
It is believed Melbourne City and the now Del Piero-less Sydney FC are the frontrunners in any Australian bid to acquire the services of the 34-year-old.
Much like the way in which professional basketball in Australia represents a more attractive option than parts of Europe for star Americans (if the money is right), Sticca says Ronaldinho would enjoy the Down Under way of doing things.
“It would be a new frontier, he’d love the lifestyle and the way fans would respect him,” he said.
“He’s globally recognisable and an entertainer.”
Spotlight stints at Barcelona and AC Milan culminated in a recent return home for Ronaldinho, where he helped Mineiro hoist its first Libertadores Cup last year, however injury and poor form has seen the former international star’s impact lessened since.
Photo: Getty Images
