RIO DE JANEIRO: The apparently everlasting appeal of Ronaldinho has been hailed by his new Fluminense team-mate Fred.

The former double FIFA World Player of the Year, now 35, has joined Fluminense until the end of 2016 for a reported monthly wage of $200,000 plus bonuses .

Fred said: “We have a lot of quality players now and with the arrival of Ronaldinho, who is a genius, our group is going to be even stronger.”

The former Barcelona star had been a free agent after terminating his contract with Mexico’s Queretaro by mutual consent in June.

Fred’s comments were echoed by Fluminense assistant coach Luiz Fernando. He said: “He is an important player, one that any club would like to have. Ronaldinho will be important for all of us and the for the youth players. To shine they have to play alongside these types of players. He is going to help a lot.”

Fluminense are currently second in Brazil’s Serie A standings with 27 points from 13 matches.