The 30-year-old had also been linked with Brazilian sides Gremio and Palmeiras as well as the Premier League club but he ultimately chose to sign for the Rio de Janeiro-based side. Ronaldinho, who also played for Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona in Europe before returning to his native South America, has signed for Flamengo until 2014. Club president Patricia Amorim told the club's official website: "We are pleased to announce the hiring of Ronaldinho for the next four years. "I thank the board for the discretion and wisdom throughout the negotiations. "This project started from the first day I got the presidency. "I thank the legal department to (head coach Wanderley) Luxemburgo and especially the fans of Flamengo." Blackburn coach Steve Kean claimed at the weekend he was "confident" a deal for Ronaldinho to take him to Ewood Park would go through.
