Former Barcelona and AC Milan legend Ronaldinho Gaucho has lost his mother.
Ronaldinho’s mother reportedly passed away aged 71 after testing positive for COVID-19 late in 2020.
Dona Miguelina was hospitalized in their home city of Porto Alegre.after testing positive for the virus.
Ronaldinho in December broke the news that his mother was fighting the virus, saying, “Dear friends, my mother is with Covid and we are in the fight for her to recover soon. She is in the intensive care unit, receiving all the care. Thank you in advance for your prayers, positive energies and affection. Mother strength”
Peruvian national TV station America further reported on Saturday, February 20 that her passing occurred only recently.
Ronaldinho returned to Brazil in 2011 after a successful stint in Europe with Barcelona and AC Milan.
Barcelona FC was among the clubs which sent a statement of condolenses to their club legend.
“FC Barcelona sends its most sincere condolences to our eternal idol Ronaldinho for the loss of your mother. Rest in peace, Dona Miguelina Elói Assis dos Santos,”
O FC Barcelona envia os seus mais sinceros pêsames ao nosso eterno ídolo @10Ronaldinho pela perda da sua mãe. Descanse em paz, Dona Miguelina Elói Assis dos Santos. pic.twitter.com/waL6hZrWXf
— FC Barcelona (@fcbarcelona_br) February 21, 2021
Belo Horizonte, who was president of Atletico Mineiro when Ronaldinho was at the club, also issued a statement of condolences to the 40-year old.
“Ronaldinho, my son, l know what it is to lose a mother. My feelings at that moment are so difficult,” he tweeted.
Ronaldinho was extremely close to his mum and she was the first one he gave credit to when he won the Ballon d’Or with Barcelona in 2005.
