Ronaldinho: Non-league Basingstoke Town make stunning bid for Brazil World Cup winner

Could the Brazilian soon be turning out in the sixth tier?

James Orr
Saturday 06 September 2014 13:06 BST
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Ronaldinho in action for Brazil
Ronaldinho in action for Brazil

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If you thought Radamel Falcao's loan move to Manchester United was the most shocking transfer of the summer, think again.

Basingstoke Town, who play in the sixth tier of English football, the Conference South, have tabled an outrageous bid for the Brazil World Cup winner Ronaldinho. Yes, that Ronaldinho.

The 34-year-old is currently a free agent after leaving Atletico Mineiro in Brazil.

"We've put an offer to his brother, who is his agent, and look forward hearing back from him," Basingstoke marketing director Simon Hood told BBC South.

"We were shocked to see that Ronaldinho was a free agent and thought what better way for him to get back into football than to play for Basingstoke Town.

"We are third in the table and it would be great for not only Basingstoke but non-league football."

Ronaldinho, who won the Ballon d'Or in 2005, is best remembered for his spells with Barcelona and AC Milan. And also that free-kick which beat David Seaman from 40- yards in the 2002 World Cup.

Seaman is left stranded after an audacious Ronaldinho lob
Seaman is left stranded after an audacious Ronaldinho lob (Getty)

But Ronaldinho wouldn't be the only Brazilian to play for a non-league English team, the late Socrates turned out for Garforth Town in 2004 at the age of 50.

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