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The legendary Ronaldinho is to play in Gerard Pique's unique 'Kings League' competition after a bombshell announcement was made.
The seven-a-side league, set up by Pique and Twitch streamer IIbai Llanos, has been a roaring success and has had huge names like Sergio Aguero, Iker Casillas, Javier Hernandez and Joan Capdevila turn out at the Cupra Arena in Barcelona.
Former Real Madrid star Isco, now a free agent, has turned down an offer to play in the competition.
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But 2005 Ballon d'Or winner Ronaldinho is coming out of retirement to play for Llanos' side Porcinos FC.
The official Kings League Twitter account posted a skit where Pique and Llanos were sat in a cafe as they tried to source another player.
The search wasn't going well and Pique told his business partner to “Just get anyone”. He then hurriedly shouted, “What about this guy? Hey, you!" and turned around at the chap sat on the table behind them.
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It was none other than R10 himself, who did his classic celebration gesture. In the Kings League, teams are allowed to have a 12th man each week, with it usually being a retired or active player.
Ronaldinho, football's greatest ever entertainer, is back in Barcelona after his son Joao Mendes signed with his former club and he too will be strutting his stuff in Catalonia.
He is in line to make his debut for Porcinos on 26 February against Pio FC though it's unclear whether it will be a one-off or a permanent arrangement.
The Brazilian icon hung up his boots in 2018 but has continued to play in charity games and also tore it up in a futsal league in India.
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"I just want to have fun and enjoy," Ronaldinho said regarding his latest move.
Pique's league, which contains a whole host of bizarre rules, is said to have an average viewership of 7 million over on Twitch.
The tournament will have a huge event at a full capacity Nou Camp on 26 March for the final four, with ticket sales already through the roof.
Topics: Ronaldinho, Barcelona, Gerard Pique
Josh Lawless