Atlético-MG striker Jô has revealed to globoesporte that he tried to convince Ronaldinho to stay at the Belo Horizonte club, but without success.
Jô has revealed that he knew about Ronaldinho’s departure long before it was announced in the media. The Brazilian striker claims that he attempted to persuade his friend to stay.
“I already knew that he was going to leave as we spoke after the game (against Lanús in the Recopa) and I said my farewell to him then. Yesterday I didn’t get the chance to see him but we have spoken.
“He’s an exceptional guy and I’ll really miss him. I tried to convince him to stay but it wasn’t enough. I’m pleased that he’s going off to do what he wants to do and he leaves after a successful two years here.
“I learned a lot from him both on and off the pitch and really will miss him a lot because he’s a friend. On the pitch I’ll miss him less as on paper Guilherme should be a good replacement, Tardelli as well.”
Jô insisted that he knew nothing about R10’s future, with speculation linking the former Barcelona and AC Milan star with a whole host of clubs including New York Red Bulls and QPR.
“He hasn’t told me anything about his future. He’s very discreet. I’m sure that he’ll be happy wherever he goes,” completed the 27-year-old.
