90min

Ronaldinho Linked With Sensational Pro Comeback With Diego Maradona's Gimnasia

By Duncan Mitchell

Ronaldinho and Maradona have been linked with an unlikely reunion
Ronaldinho and Maradona have been linked with an unlikely reunion / Koji Watanabe/Getty Images
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Former Barcelona and Brazil superstar Ronaldinho has apparently been in talks to sensationally come out of retirement to sign for Diego Maradona's Gimnasia in the Argentinian Primera Division.

The 40-year-old, who last played competitive club football in 2015 for Fluminense, officially retired in 2018, but rumours are circulating that he is open to a playing return, with a chance to work with the legendary 'Golden Boy' supposedly a major factor.

Ronaldinho with Lionel Messi during his time at Barcelona
Ronaldinho with Lionel Messi during his time at Barcelona / LLUIS GENE/Getty Images

According to Marca, Maradona has been in contact with the World Cup winner and is hoping to negotiate a deal that would see 'Ronnie' - who also played for Milan and PSG during his time in Europe - make an unbelievable return to the pitch.

There is a rather major snag in the plan, in that Ronaldinho is currently under house arrest in a hotel in Paraguay after serving a spell in prison this year for travelling with a fake passport.

But if legal proceedings are concluded, the midfielder could sign a short term deal with Maradona's struggling side, who finished a lowly 19th in this season's Superliga Argentina.

Ronaldinho actually came close to signing for Gimnasia back in 2016, when he was reportedly offered $1.5m a year to continue his career after departing Fluminense. However, his brother - who was representing him at the time and whom he found himself behind bars with this year - warned him against it.

But with Maradona now in the dugout, there is more pulling power for the move to come to fruition, though it remains to be seen whether a deal can be hashed out during the global health crisis that has prevented some serious money moves thus far.

Maradona has had a difficult time in charge at Gimnasia thus far
Maradona has had a difficult time in charge at Gimnasia thus far / Jam Media/Getty Images

Ronaldinho, like his potential new boss, is widely regarded as one the best players of all time. He won the Ballon d'Or in 2005, midway through the season that arguably defined his career. He was instrumental in Barcelona achieving the coveted La Liga and Champions League double, the latter achieved by beating Arsenal 2-1 in the final.

Maradona, 59, has had a far less fruitful foray into management in comparison to his playing days. He briefly took charge of his country during a largely disappointing 2010 World Cup, then moved into club football in the UAE and Mexico before returning to his homeland last year.