In Ronaldinho’s storied career, he never played in the most popular league in the world, the English Premier League. At 35, and in the twilight of his career, Ronaldinho reportedly was sought after by surprise Premier League title contenders Leicester City last month. Originally reported by Mundo Deportivo, talk supposedly broke down and the Brazilian legend may go to China and play in the Chinese Super League.
Ronaldinho has been a free agent since the end of the 2015 Brazilian League season last year. Ronaldinho last played for Fluminese and has been fielding offers from many teams. One of those was Leicester City, who has shockingly become the Cinderella contender for the Premier League crown.
Obviously, Ronaldinho isn’t going to unseat Shinji Okazaki and Jamie Vardy for a starting spot in attack, but he would have provided great depth off the bench and could have been the last piece of the puzzle to complete a miracle title run.
Instead, Ronaldinho may be looking for a move to the Chinese Super League. As much as I want to believe every pro athlete isn’t in it for the money, I cannot blame Ronaldinho for taking the crazy money Chinese soccer teams are offering for players like former Atletico Madrid striker Jackson Martinez and former Chelsea midfielder Ramires.
This is likely Ronaldinho’s last team and while he never won, or even played in the Premier League, the thought of being able to “cash in” one last time is pretty tempting and a sure thing compared to playing for an underdog competing for the Premier League title. It would have been great to see Ronaldinho play for Leicester City and both player and team go for an unexpected title, but after seeing how much Jackson Martinez is getting paid to go to China, money does talk.
