Ronaldinho to set up academy in China

Brazil World Cup winner Ronaldinho is reportedly set to establish his Ronaldinho Football Academy in Xiamen, Fujian Province, China.

According to Strait News, the former FC Barcelona star showed up at a fans meeting in the Southeast China city where he received a warm welcome from supporters last weekend. The 35-years old came to discuss a partnership with the Yingge Group and the two sides propose to jointly set up a freestyle soccer academy in the city next year.

In a media press release, Ronaldinho replied to the Chinese reports saying “I will shortly set up soccer academy in China”. Speaking about the potential efforts in Xiamen, his agent said “There is increasing co-operation in soccer between China and Brazil. We’ve researched Xiamen and found a professional partner”.

If it is true, the rumoured Ronaldinho Football Academy will be the first ever soccer academy to teach freestyle soccer in China.

Ronaldinho, World Player of the Year in 2004 and 2005, has recently signed an MOU with S.League club Tampines Rovers to set up a soccer academy in Singapore.

Source: Strait News

Proofread by John Devlin.