Former Barcelona superstar Ronaldinho has agreed to a new contract at Atletico Mineiro, thus bringing to an end all the speculation linking him with a return to European football with Besiktas. The Turkish outfit have been linked with a move for the player, who slowly appears to be finding his best form in recent years. Even though he may never play at the level he was seen during the 2006 World Cup, he still remains as one of the finest players in the Brazilian league. Hence, Atletico Mineiro were under a lot of pressure to sign him on a new contract.
Besiktas were interested in taking him back to Europe, as he would also like the same in order to be selected for the Brazilian squad. Ronaldinho has not featured for the national team for a long time and he is stuck on 97 caps. It is understood that he wants to play for the national team at the 2014 World Cup, which will be hosted in Brazil. As a result, he was even convinced that a move to European outfits will put him back in the eyes of Scolari, but it now appears that Atletico Mineiro will keep him for much longer.
Club president Alexandre Kalil confirmed the news on Twitter, but the length of the contract has not been revealed yet. Ronaldinho almost helped the team secure major titles this season. The new season is set to start in a week. Cruzeiro managed to win the title last season after taking 76 points compared to the 65 points of Gremio. Atletico Mineiro could only manage a third-place finish in the table, but they have qualified for the Copa Libertadores as a result of it.
Atletico Mineiro have been able to challenge for title due to the presence of Ronaldinho.