Ronaldinho, the former face of international soccer and the prime representation of Brazilian soccer throughout the world is back and wants to play in the 2012 Olympics.

The Brazilian mid fielder who dazzled fans during the peak of his career is now 31 years old and is looking for one final run at glory in the tournament, which is an under-23 event. Ronaldinho would be the lone player over that required age, as the rules allow for one player to play over that age limit.

Ronaldinho previously appeared in the 2008 summer Olympics after being traded from his club team to Milan. He scored one goal in the under-23 tournament in which Brazil left with the Bronze medal. Many thought that would be final stroke of the gifted Brazilian on the international stage as a competitor.

However, he has regained his form, or what’s left of it, and is now looking to lead the next generation of Brazilian footballers at the next Olympic season. As we have seen with young Brazilian Neymar, soccer in this carefree, creative style will continue even after Ronaldinho decides to leave the game for good.

It is important to note that his ‘ultimate goal’, if all goes well through the London Olympics, is to make the team for the 2014 World Cup — at which point, he will be 34 years old. Ronaldinho is quoted for saying, “I want to go step by step,” eventually landing him a home-hosted, last world cup.

The soccer star did not make the team for the 2010 World Cup. In fact, the last time we saw Ronaldinho on the world stage taking part in a big tournament was all the way back in the 2006 World Cup. The tournament did not end well for the Brazilians and he did not play as well as he would have liked.  Brazil was sent packing after the unexpected loss in the quarter finals to France.

The former two-time FIFA Player of the Year in 2004 and 05 and one-time European Footballer of the Year in 05 is now playing in a Brazilian club called Flamingo; a contract that will expire in 2014. After having won every tournament he has competed in throughout his career, this is his final test, his final challenge as footballer.
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