Blackburn Rovers' unlikely pursuit of two-time World Player of the Year Ronaldinho has finally come to an end with the news that the forward has completed a move to Brazilian club Flamengo.
Rovers owners Venky's had embarked on an ambitious attempt to coax the 30-year-old to the Premier League but, as expected, he has returned to his home country from Italian club Milan.
Ronaldinho had also attracted interest from Gremio, Palmeiras and Corinthians, where he could have linked up with Roberto Carlos and Ronaldo, but has now signed for Flamengo until 2014.
Club president Patricia Amorim told the club's official website: "We are pleased to announce the hiring of Ronaldinho for the next four years. I thank the board for the discretion and wisdom throughout the negotiations.
"This project started from the first day I got the presidency. I thank the legal department to [head coach Wanderley] Luxemburgo and especially the fans of Flamengo."
Ronaldinho's return to Brazil marks the end of a long and prosperous career in Europe, which saw him stake a claim to be recognised as one of modern football's greats.
After emerging from the youth ranks at Gremio, Ronaldinho joined Paris Saint Germain in 2001, earning a move to Barcelona in 2003 thanks to his influential performances in the French capital.
Ronaldinho became a central figure under Frank Rijkaard at Barcelona, winning two La Liga titles and the Champions League in 2006 before leaving the club for Milan in the 2008.
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/863976/ronaldinho-shuns-blackburn-rovers-to-seal-flamengo-deal?cc=4716
