Rio de Janeiro, Dec 27 (IANS) Former Palmeiras, Cruzeiro, and Santos midfielder Robinho Signorini has announced his retirement after a professional career spanning two decades.
The 38-year-old’s contract with Brazilian Serie C side Brusque ended this month, and he declined offers to continue playing to accept an assistant coaching role with Nautico, which will compete in Serie B next year. “I am putting a full stop to my journey as a professional athlete. However, I will continue in the world of football, now from outside the four lines,” he said in a social media post.
Robinho’s career highlights include a Brazilian Serie A title and a Copa do Brasil trophy with Palmeiras, and two Copa do Brasil triumphs with Cruzeiro. His career also included spells at Varginha, Mogi Mirim, Avai, Coritiba, and Paysandu, reports Xinhua.
“I thank all the clubs, teammates, coaches, fans, support staff, directors, and agents who were part of my story as a player. Without you, I would not have achieved my collective and individual goals,” Robinho added.
Atletico Mineiro targets Fred return
Meanwhile, there are a few more moves that would cause changes in personnel in the top clubs in Brazil.
Botafogo captain Marlon Freitas could leave the club to join Brazilian Serie A rival Palmeiras, according to local media reports. Negotiations are at an early stage, with Palmeiras willing to pay six million U.S. dollars for the 30-year-old holding midfielder, Gazeta Esportiva said. The report added that Palmeiras coach Abel Ferreira is seeking to strengthen his midfield following the departure of Anibal Moreno to River Plate.
Freitas has made 186 appearances for Botafogo in all competitions since joining from Atletico Goianiense in 2023. He captained the side to the Copa Libertadores and Brazilian Serie A titles last year. Palmeiras finished second in this season’s Brazilian Serie A behind Flamengo and lost the Copa Libertadores final to the same opponent.
Atletico Mineiro has submitted an offer to sign Fenerbahce and Brazil international midfielder Fred, according to media reports in Brazil. The 32-year-old is contracted to the Turkish club until June 2027 but is open to a return to his homeland, Globo Esporte reported.
It added that Atletico sporting director Paulo Bracks had contacted Fred’s representatives to discuss financial details.
Fred has made 104 appearances for Fenerbahce, scoring nine goals and providing 18 assists, since his August 2023 move from Manchester United. He was born in Belo Horizonte and represented Atletico Mineiro’s youth teams until the age of 16.
–IANS
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