The former Ballon d’Or winner has spoken out about his son’s move to the MKM Stadium
Ronaldinho has wished his 20-year-old son, Joao Mendes, the best of luck as he looks to make an impact at Hull City following his free transfer move to the club’s academy.
Mendes, who came through the ranks at Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy, was confirmed as a City player on Thursday after penning a one-year deal with the option of a further 12 months after leaving Premier League new boys Burnley earlier in the summer after a year in Lancashire.
The winger will link up with the club’s Under-21 side under Conor Sellars and could make his debut against Charlton Athletic on Tuesday afternoon. He’ll do so with the words of his famous father in his ears, and knowing that if he impresses, he will have the chance to impress first-team boss Sergej Jakirovic.
“Good luck in your new club and challenge my son,” Ronaldinho wrote on Instagram to his nearly 78 million followers with pictures of Mendes at the MKM Stadium after signing his City deal.
Mendes is determined to make the most of his chance in East Yorkshire, having struggled to make an impact with the Clarets, and is relishing the chance to play at the MKM Stadium in the near future.
“I play as a right winger or an attacking midfielder. I am a fast, explosive and creative player,” the young Brazilian said. “I think it is good to be able to play in different styles of football. In Brazil, it is one style, Spain is another one, and England is another one, so I think it complements your game really well if you have played at different places.
“It is a great stadium, a beautiful stadium (MKM Stadium). Everything looks good, the pitch looks good, and I am just excited to be here and play.
“I just want to help as much as I can in the Under-21s and in the first team. I don’t mind what level, I just love playing football and if the chance comes, I will take great use of it.”
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