Ronaldinho’s brother and agent has played down the prospect of the former world footballer of the year joining Chapecoense.

Roberto Assis had suggested Ronaldinho, who is a free agent, could join the stricken club, which last week last lost 19 members of its playing staff in a plane crash in Colombia.

However, on Monday Assis said Chapecoense was one of a number of options Ronaldinho, the former Barcelona and AC Milan forward, could consider as he determines his next career move.

He told Goal.com: “About Chapecoense, I think we should treat this issue with the greatest respect for the families and the club.

“We are ready to help in some way, I do not know how.

“Just like the Brazilian people and the whole world, we are still very much sad. We had a relationship with many people on that flight, I feel very sad and I hope that peace and serenity will help these families to pass this difficult time.”