Having helped Barcelona push through plans to launch a new academy in southern China this year that will enrol up to 1,000 children at a time, Ronaldinho has certainly earned the right to let his hair down. The club legend has made a strong start in his new position as overseas ambassador, and the Brazilian was deserving of his break from his now customary surroundings among club hierarchy as he returned to his native Brazil.
Ronaldinho, who was regarded as a magician with the ball during his playing days, coincided his jaunt to South America with his country's oldest annual party, of course, with many of his closest friends and fans on hand to celebrate the start of the raucous Carnival season in Rio de Janeiro. The 36-year-old clearly looked like he was enjoying himself as he made his way through the crowds in a busy part of the city, dressed all in white to offset the summertime humidity.
The former Brazil international, who won the World Cup with his country in 2002, was happy to pose for selfies with those who idolised him during his time as a player and his vivacious presence is precisely what the city needs.
