Ronaldinho confirms his son, 17, has joined Barcelona following a successful trial

Ronaldinho's teenage son, Joao de Assis Moreira, will follow in his father's footsteps after penning a deal with Barcelona.

The 17-year-old hasn't had the most straightforward of journeys in football.

Back in 2018, Mendes decided to hide his identity at a Cruzeiro trial because he didn't want the status of his famous father to influence the club's final decision.

He went on to make a huge impression at the try-out, 'charming' scouts with his undeniable talent, and would eventually join the Brazilian club's prestigious youth system.

That being said, Mendes recently had his contract terminated in Belo Horizonte.

Despite the setback, the teenager was invited to attend a trial at Barcelona U19s.

The 17-year-old, who plays as a forward, initially struggled in the early stages at La Masia. In fact, Barca president Joan Laporta even asked the club's coaching staff to extend his trial so he could have more time to settle.

And it appears that decision was a wise one. After a slow start, Mendes flourished in the latter stages, with the Catalan giants offering him a deal on the back of a successful trial.

Speaking to Spanish publication Marca, Ronaldinho confirmed the news.

"Yes he is coming now," he said. "I'm never out of the club. Barcelona is part of life. Wherever I go I take Barcelona with me.

"With the arrival of my son at Barca I'll be more present than ever."

Mendes' agent Roberto de Assis, who is also his uncle, was in direct contact with president Laporta to discuss a transfer to the Spanish club.

Laporta and Mendes' father Ronaldinho have maintained a strong relationship following the Brazilian's highly influential spell at the Camp Nou, where he helped Barcelona lift the Champions League in 2006.

Ronaldinho, who has been an official ambassador at the Nou Camp since 2016, will go down in the Barca history books. He established himself as one of the world's best players after joining from Ligue 1 outfit Paris Saint-Germain.

And it appears his son will try and do the same as he embarks on a new chapter in Spain.

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