Ronaldinho extends Atletico Mineiro contract

Former Brazil star Ronaldinho has extended his contract with Atletico Mineiro for one year, the president of the Belo Horizonte club has announced.



"You wanted him. He is staying," Alexandre Kalil tweeted late on Wednesday.



Ronaldinho, a FIFA World Cup™ winner in 2002 who joined Atletico in June after quitting Flamengo over a salary dispute, will earn a higher salary of $450,000 plus a share of revenues from club jersey sales and bonuses should Atletico shine in major competitions next year, acording to the sports daily Lance.



The 32-year-old former Barcelona and Milan star and former FIFA World Player of the Year played 31 matchs with Atletico, scoring nine goals and winning the support of fans.



"Ronaldinho's objective is to rejoin the Seleção (national squad) and compete in the 2013 Confederations Cup, a key step to win a slot on the 2014 World Cup squad," Lance said.




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Ronaldinho bemoans scrutiny

Ronaldinho has revealed he finds it hard to have a girlfriend because of media intrusion into his private life.



The 31-year-old attacker returned to his native Brazil last year to link up with Flamengo, after a decade playing in Europe, during which he was twice crowned FIFA World Player of the Year.



Ronaldinho, a FIFA World Cup and UEFA Champions League winner, is now finding what he does off the field is being scrutinised as closely as what he does on it.



"It's hard to have a girlfriend because everything I do is news," the former Gremio man told Globo TV's 'Mais Voce'.



"I will never stop living my life because people will always talk, but sometimes it bothers those on the side."



"People want to live a normal life. I try to be discreet, but I am not allowed to. After the invention of the camera phone ..."



However, while Ronaldinho said he was interested in a long-term relationship, he is not yet ready to settle down completely.



"I'm too crazy to get married," he said.



"I think I need to retire first, as I'll still have a while yet. Although I want to marry, I also like the single life, not having to please anyone."



Ronaldinho, who has been capped 94 times by Brazil, lined up for Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona and AC Milan during his ten years in Europe.