体坛英语新闻：Ronaldinho: I am ready for Brazil return

SAO PAULO, Dec. 3 (Xinhua) -- Ronaldinho has declared himself ready to return to international football should he be called upon by newly appointed Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari.

The Atletico Mineiro playmaker capped a remarkable return to form this season by winning the Bola de Ouro on Monday for the best player in Brazil's 2012 Serie A championship.

Ronaldinho has not represented the Selecao since the team's 2-1 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina in St Gallen, Switzerland, in February.

He said he would relish the chance to play again under Scolari, with whom he won the 2002 World Cup in Japan and South Korea.

"I had the opportunity to win with Felipao and he is one of the best coaches around, if not the best," Ronaldinho said after the award ceremony in Sao Paulo. "I wish him all the best and also make myself available to him."

The two-time FIFA world player of the year showed genuine emotion at winning the Bola de Ouro, voted for by journalists from Brazilian football magazine Placar and TV ESPN.

"I am so happy that I am lost for words," the 32-year-old said. "It's an individual award, but it belongs to all of the players at Atletico Mineiro."

"The season began badly but I can't ever forget to show my appreciation to everybody at Atletico and my family."

The former Barcelona and AC Milan star's career appeared in tatters in May when he left Rio de Janeiro giants Flamengo and sued the club for months of unpaid wages.

Days later he joined Atletico Mineiro and almost immediately began showing the form that captivated world football during his days at the Camp Nou.

In 31 appearances for the Belo Horizonte club this season, Ronaldinho scored nine goals and made 11 assists, leading the side to second in Brazil's top-flight.

The result has earned the club direct entry into the Copa Libertadores - South America's most important club competition - for the first time since 2000.