Ronaldinho's son Joao Mendes has joined Barcelona's academy, the former Brazil star has confirmed.
Mendes, who turns 18 on February 25, was born in Rio de Janeiro while his father was on Barca's books. The teenager spent a number of years on the books of Cruzeiro, who are owned by Ronaldinho's former international team-mate Ronaldo, before embarking on a trial with Barca in January.
Reports in Italy suggested Barcelona president Joan Laporta granted the teenager extra time to impress. And now, according to comments from Ronaldinho himself, it appears Mendes did enough to convince the Catalan club of his talent.
