Barcelona legend Ronaldinho has confirmed that his son will join the Catalan club’s La Masia academy. Joao Mendes de Assis Moreira, also known as Joao Mendes, has been on trial with the Blaugrana since January.
The 17-year-old striker was previously with Brazilian side Cruzeiro but recently terminated his contract with them. Ronaldinho is a Barça legend who won two La Liga titles and a Champions League during his time there.
Mendes reportedly inherited some skills from his father. The former Ballon d’Or winner recently said of his son’s move:
“Yes, now he will come. I never leave the club. Barcelona is part of life. Wherever I go, I take Barcelona with me. With the arrival of my son at Barça, I will be more present than ever.”
Ronaldinho currently works as a representative of the Catalan club. He has given the club’s fans many memorable moments as a player. One of his most notable performances came at the Santiago Bernabéu in 2005, when he scored a brace to help his side to a 3-0 win over Real Madrid.
The 2002 FIFA World Cup winner recently recalled his duel with former Los Blancos captain Sergio Ramos. He wrote on social media:
“Memories of this battle!!! Always great games with this beast…TMJ. @SergioRamos a big hug.”
Barcelona legend Ronaldinho recently received the Leyenda trophy
I am very happy to receive such a special award and it says a lot about my time here!!! Returning to Barcelona and receiving the Leyenda Trophy from president Joan Laporta was very special… twitter.com/i/web/status/1… https://t.co/QJYw6ENe3v
He further added:
“The club has helped me to evolve and win so many individual awards and important titles. To everyone, from the goalkeeper to the President, thank you very much, you are part of my history… We will always be together !!!”