Atletico Mineiro fans create petition to keep Ronaldinho

Fans of Brazil's Atletico Mineiro have begun an online petition in a bid to convince Ronaldinho to remain at the club in 2013. The petition had already attracted more than 5000 signatories on Monday night, just hours after being created. Ronaldinho has been in sublime form since joining the Belo Horizonte club in June following his acrimonious departure from Flamengo, who he is suing for unpaid wages and moral damages. His contract expires next month but Atletico officials have expressed their interest keeping the former Barcelona and AC Milan star next season. Ronaldinho has been strongly linked with a move to Fluminense, due largely to his desire to live in Rio. There have also been rumors of a possible return to Europe as he attempts to win back his place in Brazil' s national team ahead of the 2014 World Cup. Atletico Mineiro fan Samuel Peixoto Silveira, who was the petition' s 534th signatory, said he hoped Ronaldinho recognized supporters of the club had backed him through the good and bad times this season. "Ronaldinho has to stay. Atletico Mineiro needs him and he needs Atletico Mineiro," Peixoto said. Ronaldinho has led Atletico Mineiro to second in Brazil' s top-flight standings this year after finishing 15th last season. With just four matches remaining, the club has already booked a berth in next year' s Copa Libertadores, South America' s most prestigious club competition.