Ronaldinho's son signs for Barcelona's youth academy

(Reuters) - Joao Mendes, the son of former Brazil forward Ronaldinho, has signed a contract with Barcelona's youth team, the Spanish club announced on Thursday.

The 18-year-old, who previously terminated his contract with Brazilian Serie B club Cruzeiro, had been training with Barcelona's youth team on a trial basis since January.

According to an ESPN report, Mendes's contract will run until summer 2024.

Ronaldinho, who now works as a club ambassador, spent five years at the Camp Nou as a player from 2003-08.

He played more than 200 matches for Barcelona and scored nearly 100 goals, helping them win the Champions League and two LaLiga titles. He was in the Brazil team who won the 2002 World Cup.

(Reporting by Aadi Nair in Bengaluru; Editing by Toby Davis)