The 30-year-old Ronaldinho - part of the Brazil side that won the 2002 World Cup - said he would sign a three-and-a-half year contract worth nearly $900,000 a month.

The player, whose full name is Ronaldo de Assis Moreira, started his professional career with Gremio aged 18 before moving to Paris Saint-Germain, FC Barcelona - with whom he won the 2006 Champions League - and then AC Milan.

Twice named world player of the year, Ronaldinho made it known that he wanted to return to his homeland with hopes of playing for a local side and regaining his place in the national squad for the 2014 World Cup which Brazil are hosting.

Flamengo was able to sign Ronaldinho after Brazilian clubs Gremio and Palmeiras dropped out of the race to acquire him over the weekend.