Ronaldinho double sinks his former club Gremio

Belo Horizonte (Brazil), June 10 (IANS)

Ronaldinho scored twice to hand Atletico Mineiro a 2-0 victory over his former club Gremio in Brazil’s Serie A championship.

The 33-year-old converted a penalty on the hour after former AC Milan and Brazil goalkeeper Dida brought down Alecsandro with a sliding tackle Sunday, reports Xinhua.

Ronaldinho then doubled the home side’s lead in injury time with a cool finish after Neto Berola’s piercing run and pass.

Ronaldinho admitted he had mixed emotions about scoring against the club where he began his career.

“It’s not the first time that has happened,” the two-time FIFA world player of the year said.

“Gremio will always have a special place in my heart, but I also have to do the right thing by my team.”

The victory was Atletico’s first from four matches in Brazil’s Serie A championship as the club prioritises the Copa Libertadores.

In other games of the day, defending champions Fluminense overcame Goias 2-1, Vitoria beat Atletico Paranaense 3-2 and Coritiba defeated Nautico 1-0.