Ronaldinho's son makes Championship switch after being axed by newly-promoted Premier League club
Ronaldinho’s son Joao Mendes has found a new club, just four months after leaving Burnley.
The 20-year-old winger signed for Burnley last summer on a two-year deal after leaving Barcelona - the same club where his father became a legend.
He made five appearances for the Clarets’ under-21s in the Premier League Cup, scoring once in a 4-1 win over Reading and setting up goals in both meetings with Luton.
Despite flashes of promise, Burnley released Mendes at the end of the season, with the club parting ways with 13 academy players in total.
Now Hull City have picked him up, with Mendes set to continue his development in the club’s under-21 squad at Bishop Burton College.
The move gives the Brazilian more time to adapt to life in England, something he admitted has been tough.
Speaking to ESPN earlier this year, Mendes said:“It’s difficult at first, there’s no denying that. Even more so now in winter and here, as it’s in the north, it’s a bit worse.
“If you put on a glove, two socks, we can manage.”
He won’t be the only famous footballer’s son in Hull’s academy setup. Zac Jagielka, son of former England and Everton defender Phil Jagielka, is also part of the system, though he plays as a striker rather than a centre-back like his father.