Brazil legend Ronaldinho has officially retired from professional football, according to his brother and agent Roberto Assis.
Reports: Messi & Suarez Want Barca Star To Leave
The 37-year-old, who won the FIFA World Cup, UEFA Champions League and the Ballon d’Or in his illustrious career, had not played a competitive match since leaving Brazilian side Fluminense in 2015.
Assis confirmed the news of his brother's decision in a column he wrote for a Brazilian paper, and revealed that there will be a series of farewell events to celebrate Ronaldinho's decision.
"He's quit football, it's over," Assis wrote in Globo.
"Let's now do something nice (his farewell), big as it should (be), after the 2018 World Cup, maybe in August.
"We'll do some events now around Brazil, Europe and Asia. Of course, we're also arranging something with the Brazil national team as well.
"Nike (Ronaldinho's long-time sponsor) will be with us together on this project, there are no details yet.
"For now, we're arranging a programme, a schedule. The fact he's been Barcelona's ambassador for 10 years now will help a lot abroad. He's held in the highest regard there.
"There are now three arranged events – Mexico will be the next one, on 1 March."
The Highest Paid Barca Stars After Coutinho Deal
Ronaldinho made 98 appearances for the Selecao in his career, and scored 33 goals since his national team debut in 1999.
Do you think this announcement should have been made years ago? Have your say in the comments section below.