Remember the chip that deceived David Seaman in the 2002 World Cup?
The Brazilian soccer star Ronaldinho officially announced his retirement, two years after his last appearance as a professional. Well yes, it was on the cards! The Brazilian 2002 World Cup winner was a midfielder who had an unbelievable precision and physics-defying goals. The 37-year-old last played in 2015 during a brief stint with Fluminense. Roberto Assis, his brother-cum-agent confirmed that Ronaldinho would not play again. The football magician shot to limelight when he scored all 23 goals in a 23–0 victory against a local team. Surreal, even if it has been scored against a weak opposition.
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The Brazilian midfielder’s five-year stint with Barcelona between 2003 and 2008 was his most successful one at club level, a period in which he bagged the Champions League in 2006 and Ballon D’Or in 2005 (most prestigious football recognition).
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Here is how Twitter reacted after the yesteryears star announced his retirement.
Valeu por tudo, #Ronaldinho!! _
Ate hoje tentamos entender como voce conseguia tratar TAO BEM a bola! _
(_: FC Barcelona) pic.twitter.com/M6K0YMFHKX
— Gazeta Esportiva (@gazetaesportiva) January 17, 2018
#Ronaldinho dice ‘adeus’ al #Futbol, tras casi 20 anos de carrera. Gracias por todo. #SiempreGallo #Eterno49 pic.twitter.com/ai8vJT8odc
— YOSOYOHO (@yosoyoho) January 17, 2018
Ronaldinho’s brother has confirmed that the Brazilian has retired from football.
Farewell, legend…___ pic.twitter.com/KBuQhXwPXu
— FTS Football (@FromTStands) January 16, 2018
Some may have been more consistent. Some may have done it for longer. But the things I’ve seen Ronaldinho do on a pitch cannot be replicated. At his peak, he was better than everyone. pic.twitter.com/klXboImTFu
— __Paulo Di Balla _ (@FEELZ_) January 16, 2018
There was never a player who reminded us to play with fun more than this great Brazilian. Thank you #Ronaldinho #Legend #Brasiliero #Fun #JogaBonito ______ pic.twitter.com/5Tz3RfvaIb
— LAFC Pat (@LAFCpat) January 17, 2018
The most accurate definition of joy in soccer was, for a decade, a ball under Ronaldinho’s spell. pic.twitter.com/7ZYO6Ifjlz
— black identity extremist (@carIisIe) January 17, 2018
BREAKING: Ronaldinho has announced his retirement from football
Baller _____ pic.twitter.com/G0kjLHiQbR
— NOW TV Sport (@NOWTVSport) January 16, 2018
Still don’t fully understand how he did this. pic.twitter.com/Ute8q2U5Bw
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOE_UK) January 16, 2018
Ronaldinho Gaucho se retira oficialmente de las canchas. Como se extrana esa magia que hacia con el balon __ pic.twitter.com/sVIgUV4YxF
— Nahima Choura (@nahimachoura) January 16, 2018
Thanks for everything Ronaldinho, a truly world class & generational talent. Legend.
When we was applauded by the Bernabeu after destroying Real Madrid, or his goal at Stamford Bridge will always be my biggest & favourite memories of him. pic.twitter.com/x1Vo7OvmgN
— Adam Joseph (@AdamJosephSport) January 16, 2018
The argument about Messi and Ronaldo will rage for millennia, but there will never be another Ronaldinho. He was magic. pic.twitter.com/gE2FFpR7qI
— Sam Homewood (@SamHomewood) January 16, 2018
Zidane: “He’s total class. A very great player.”
Messi: “Barca should always be grateful for everything he did.”
Maradona: “He’s one of the greatest players I have ever seen.”
Beckham: “He’s a genius with the ball, one of Brazil’s greatest-ever players.”Obrigado Ronaldinho _ pic.twitter.com/w0EBDAIz32
— bet365 (@bet365) January 16, 2018
Brazilian legend Ronaldinho has announced his retirement from football __
La Liga __
Supercopa de Espana __
UEFA Champions League _
Serie A _
Copa Libertadores _
FIFA World Cup _
FIFA World Player of the Year __ pic.twitter.com/otBxOfEU4N— FourFourTwo __ (@FourFourTwo) January 16, 2018
Ronaldinho career by No.:
Gremio
145 games
72 goalsPSG
86 games
25 goalsBarcelona
207 games
94 goalsAC Milan
95 games
26 goalsFlamengo
72 games
28 goalsAtletico Mineiro
85 games
27 goalsQueretaro
29 games
8 goalsFluminense
9 games
0 goalsBrazil
97 games
33 goals https://t.co/DCfAlfDayh— Squawka Football (@Squawka) January 16, 2018
Can’t hate this legend _ thank you for football genius _____ #Ronaldinho #RonaldinhoRetires pic.twitter.com/ckBrjhuI76
— Yanu Rahmat Alim (@yanudotcom) January 17, 2018
Thank you #Ronaldinho for giving us #Football goals. #RonaldinhoRetires#RonaldinhoGaucho pic.twitter.com/uFMmZ1P2il
— The Screen Patti (@TheScreenPatti) January 17, 2018
Ronaldinho may not have been the best when it came scoring goals, but he was ominous when it came to assists. Watching him gave immense joy to his fans, who would still swear by the once-in-a-lifetime footballer.
