Ronaldinho signs with Atletico Mineiro

Atletico Mineiro have confirmed the signing of Ronaldinho, just days after his acrimonious departure from Flamengo.

The Brazil international and two-time FIFA World Player of the Year parted company with Flamengo on Friday.

Ronaldinho was given permission to unilaterally rescind his contract with the club by the Rio de Janeiro Labour Court because a dispute over unpaid wages, with the 32-year-old claiming he is owed over 16 million euros.

Following speculation linking Ronaldinho with Palmeiras and Chinese outfit Guangzhou R&F, Atletico Mineiro confirmed the signing of the attacker until the end of the year.

Atletico Mineiro president Alexandre Kalil said: “He is not just any player, he is Ronaldinho.

“I have a reputation as a madman but I am not mad enough to turn down the chance to sign Ronaldinho.”

The former Barcelona ace had earlier been spotted in Atletico Mineiro colours at the club’s training ground.

Ronaldinho only joined Flamengo from AC Milan in January 2011 but his time at the club was marked with controversy.

Relations between the player and the club had become increasingly strained in recent weeks, with vice-president Paulo Cesar Coutinho last week slating the World Cup winner.

Ronaldinho could debut for Atletico Mineiro in their Brazil Serie A clash against Bahia on Wednesday.

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/ronaldinho-signs-with-atletico-mineiro/95872/

Diego resigned to Wolfsburg return

Atletico Madrid loanee Diego believes that he will play his football at Wolfsburg next season.

The 27-year-old was shipped out to the Vicente Calderon on loan by the German outfit last term after falling out with coach Felix Magath just one year after arriving at the Bundesliga club from Juventus.

He enjoyed an impressive 2011/12 campaign with Atletico, helping Diego Simeone’s side win the Europa League and finish fifth in La Liga.

Despite recently admitting that he would like to join Atletico on a permanent basis, Diego looks resigned to return to the Volkswagen Arena.

“I think that I will be at Wolfsburg next season again,” he told Wolfsburger Allgemeine Zeitung.

“I still have two years on my contract.”

The Brazilian playmaker, who cost Wolfsburg 15.5 million euros, scored six goals in 42 competitive appearances for Atletico.

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/diego-resigned-to-wolfsburg-return/95622/

Diego talks up Wolfsburg return

Brazilian midfielder Diego has confessed that he expects to play for Wolfsburg next season.

The highly rated playmaker left the German side for Atletico Madrid after clashing with coach Felix Magath last summer, and signed a loan agreement with los Colchoneros.

The Brazilian managed to kick-start his career at Vicente Calderon and had a big role to play on the road to the Europa League title, but it appears that the La Liga outfit won’t be able to make his transfer permanent.

The player now admits that a summer return to Wolfsburg is the most likely scenario.

“I think I will be at Wolfsburg next season,” Diego told Wolfsburger Allgemeine Zeitung. “I still have two years of contract.”

The 27-year-old was purchased by the Wolves in 2010 following an unsuccessful spell at Juventus and he enjoyed a great first season at Volkswagen Arena.

Nonetheless, the Brazilian was allowed to leave the club last summer following a row with head coach Felix Magath.

The experienced coach recently revealed that he would be happy to welcome the Brazilian back to the side.

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/diego-talks-up-wolfsburg-return/95581/

Emre signs with Atletico

Atletico Madrid have signed veteran midfielder Emre on a free transfer from Fenerbahce.

The Turkey international has agreed to a two-year contract with the La Liga club and news of his imminent arrival at the Vicente Calderon was enthusiastically greeted by compatriot Arda Turan.

“He has everything to succeed at Atletico,” the 25-year-old winger told the club’s official website.

“He has shown that he has the personality to control big teams and his experience can help a lot in key games.

“For me, he’s like my brother and I have learned a lot from him.”

Atletico sporting director Jose Luis Caminero also believes that Emre will prove a valuable addition to Diego Simeone’s squad.

“His experience should bring further strength to our team, which is one of the youngest in the league,” the former Spain international said.

Emre, who has been capped 80 times by his country, was reportedly keen to leave Turkey after finding himself at the centre of a racism controversy last month following a clash with Trabzonspor’s Didier Zokora.

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/emre-signs-with-atletico/95461/