Ronaldinho skips Peace match in Rome

PANAJI: Ronaldinho gave the Peace match in Rome a miss but the Indian Super League's (ISL) Chennai franchise are hoping to sign the two-time World Player of the Year and are not giving up as yet.
The Chennai officials were scheduled to meet Ronaldinho and his brother Roberto Assis -- who is also his agent -- before the Peace Cup clash in the Italian capital. But the former Barcelona and Brazil star is understood to have informed organizers of his inability to take part in the charity match, backed by Pope Francis and organized, amongst others, by Argentina great Javier Zanetti.
Not everything was lost for Chennai though.
According to sources, Chennai officials had another round of telephonic talks with Roberto late on Sunday and are said to have been encouraged by the response from the Brazilian end.
"Things are looking good at the moment. It's not easy stitching a deal with a player as big as Ronaldinho but India is not out of the race," said one official who is in the know of things.
Since leaving Brazilian club Atletico Mineiro in July, Ronaldinho's future has been the subject of intense speculation around the world. Earlier, Palmeiras were close to roping in the World Cup winner as part of the club's centennial celebrations but the deal did not materialize, reportedly over financial disagreement.
Since then several clubs from United States, Brazil, England, Australia and Qatar have been jostling for his prized signature.
Ronaldinho won the World Cup with Brazil in 2002, besides two La Liga titles and the UEFA Champions League at Barcelona, Serie A with Milan and Copa Libertadores with Flamengo.