Like father like son: Ronaldinho's son to join Barcelona

João Mendes de Assis or better known as the son of former Brazil and Barcelona forward Ronaldinho is set to follow in his father's footsteps by joining Spanish giants Barcelona to don the coveted Blaugrana jersey. 

It was reported in January that Mendes, who owns a Spanish passport, had been undergoing trials at the Catalan club shortly after terminating his contract with Brazilian Serie B club Cruzeiro. The 17-year-old striker is set to join Barcelona's youth academy in a move which is being handled personally by club president Joan Laporta, Spain's Sport reported.

But Ronaldinho himself confirmed the news to Catalan radio station RAC1 saying that he would now be spending more time in Spain as his son was set to join the club after impressing at the trials.

Negotiations took place directly between club president Juan Laporta and Mendes' uncle, Roberto de Assis, who was also Ronaldinho's agent.

"Yes, he is coming now," Ronaldinho declared when asked if his son is signing for Barcelona.

"With the arrival of my son at Barcelona I will be more present than ever at the club. I am never outside the club. Barcelona is part of my life," he said.

"Wherever I go I take Barcelona with me. With the arrival of my son at Barcelona I will be more present than ever," he added.

Ronaldinho, who now works as a club ambassador, has maintained a good relationship with Laporta who brought the Brazilian star to Camp Nou. The city of Barcelona witnessed his magical feet for five years as a player from 2003-08.

He played over 200 matches for Barcelona and scored nearly 100 goals, helping them win the Champions League and two La Liga titles.