Ronaldinho 'In Talks' To Make Incredible Retirement U-Turn, Aged 39

Former Barcelona legend Ronaldinho is 'in talks' to make a sensational return to football, 18 months after announcing his retirement.

The 39-year-old, who last played for Brazilian side Fluminense, is currently in discussions with Maltese Premier League side Birkirkara FC about a move, according to Times Of Malta.

Image: PA

Birkirkara's Technical Director Michael Valenzia has confirmed that "talks are ongoing" about a potential deal.

"I can confirm that there exists the possibility that Birkirkara FC could sign Ronaldinho," he said.

"There is nothing yet concluded but talks are ongoing and one has to be patient and see how things evolve."

The deal has come to light after the club spoke to a foreign company who are interested in sponsoring the club.

"At the moment we are in talks with foreign investors who are ready to act as sponsors to our club and during negotiations it came out that some of the persons involved have a connection with Ronaldinho's entourage." Valenzia told Times Of Malta.

"Ronaldinho's people are interested in seeing the player joining a small club and are keen to promote this deal.

"Surely, such a transfer would give our club a massive lift not only from a playing aspect but also from a marketing point of view as Ronaldinho is among the top 20 players in the history of football.

"But we need to be patient as negotiations are quite complex with many aspects such as image rights being discussed so we just have to wait and see."

Ronaldinho announced his retirement from the professional game after his agent and brother Roberto de Assis Moreira broke the news back in January 2018.

In an interview with Globoesports, he confirmed that the former Barcelona and PSG player had hung up his boots.

"He stopped. Ended. Let's do something pretty big, nice, after the Russian Cup, probably in August. We will do various events in Brazil, Europe and Asia. And, of course, we are combining a game with the Brazilian team.." he said.

But it appears the 39-year-old is ready to make a remarkable return to the game following these latest reports.

Image: PA

He won't be able to replicate what he did at the peak of his powers but it will be a pleasure to see Ronaldinho back on the pitch again.

That's if the deal actually goes through.

Topics: Football News, Ronaldinho, Football, Barcelona, Brazil, La Liga

Jack Kenmare

Jack Kenmare is a writer at SPORTbible. He's interviewed some of the biggest names in sport, including Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Pele, Carles Puyol and Tim Henman. He dabbles in all things sport but football is his biggest passion. He was once hit in the head by a wayward strike from Nicky Butt and lived to tell the tale.

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