Ronaldinho has shed tears during the inauguration of a football school for needy children he's bankrolling in his southeastern Brazilian hometown.
Ronaldinho, the two-time world player of the year, was born in a Porto Alegre shantytown.
His Ronaldinho Gaucho Institute will serve as many as 3,500 children after it officially opens in March.
While football will be emphasised, other sports will also be offered, along with classes in theatre, dance, languages and computer science.
If the school produces new football stars 'that would be great, but it's not the point', said Roberto de Assis, Ronaldinho's brother, who will run the school.
The purpose of the institute is to 'give an opportunity for these youths' growth', de Assis said.
Ronaldinho, the Brazil and Barcelona star, should reportedly receive Spanish citizenship next year, making him eligible to appear for Barcelona as a European Union player.
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