Ronaldinho Leaves Atletico Mineiro As Free Agent, Will Reveal Next Stop Wednesday

Ronaldinho Atletico Mineiro Ronaldinho had something to prove when he entered the gates of Atletico Mineiro in 2012. Now, the Brazilian soccer star is set to exit as a legend.

Ronaldinho and Atletico Mineiro mutually agreed to part ways on Monday, FOX Socccer reports.

“I can’t call on Ronaldinho anymore,” Atletico Mineiro head coach Levir Culpi reportedly told SporTV. “His cycle with us has ended. It’s unfortunate because he’s an idol to all of us. Everyone loves his football, the way he plays and he’s a very charismatic person.”

Ronaldinho, 34, will hold a joint press conference with Atletico Mineiro president Alexandre Kalil on Wednesday. Ronaldinho’s brother and agent, Roberto de Assis, says the two-time FIFA World Player of the Year is not considering retirement at this time.

“He will play until he’s 42!” de Assis told Globo Esporte website, according to FIFA.com. “He will reveal his future destination on Wednesday.”

Ronaldinho joined Atletico Mineiro from Brazilian giant Flamengo in June 2012. Ronaldinho helped the club achieve a second-place finish in Brazil’s Serie A in 2012, securing qualification to the 2013 Copa Libertadores (South American Champions League). Ronaldinho’s career hit another high point last year when he led the club to its first-ever Copa Libertadores crown.

But Ronaldinho’s exploits at Atletico Mineiro weren’t enough to earn him a spot on Brazil’s ill-fated 2014 FIFA World Cup squad.

While Ronaldinho was denied the opportunity to show the soccer world at large what he still can do, his next move undoubtedly will generate headlines and command attention. It’s up to Ronaldinho to hold the soccer world’s gaze with his skillful play on the field and fun-loving ways off it.