Ronaldinho ends contract with AC Milan

FILE - AC Milan Brazilian forward Ronaldinho controls the ball during the Serie A soccer match between AC Milan and Brescia at the San Siro stadium in Milan, Italy, in this Saturday, Dec. 4, 2010 photo from files. Ronaldinho's brother and agent said Monday, Jan. 3, 2011 the playmaker is negotiating a return to Brazil from AC Milan, with three top clubs lining up to sign him. The 30-year-old Ronaldinho is currently in Brazil and his brother Roberto Assis says Flamengo, Gremio and Palmeiras are all trying to sign the player, with a deal expected to be sealed in a few days' time. (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni, File)

By TALES AZZONI, Associated Press

Jan. 6, 2011 12:55 PM PT

SAO PAULO —

Ronaldinho reached an agreement with AC Milan on Thursday to end his contract, clearing the way to return to Brazil soccer.

Three Brazilian clubs remain in contention to sign the 2004 and 2005 FIFA player of the year: Palmeiras, Flamengo and his former team, Gremio.

“We reached an agreement with Milan and now I’m free to continue my life here in Brazil,” Ronaldinho said.

The 30-year-old Ronaldinho wants to play in the 2014 World Cup in Brazil and hopes that a successful return to Brazilian soccer will help him reach that goal. After leaving Barcelona to join AC Milan in 2008, Ronaldinho struggled to establish himself at the Italian club.

Ronaldinho has been playing in Europe since he joined France’s Paris-Saint Germain in 2001, where he stayed for two years before making the move to Barcelona.