Brazil great Ronaldinho has joined the ownership group behind United Soccer League (USL) clubs Greenville Triumph and Greenville Liberty, the teams announced Wednesday.
The Triumph play in USL League One, a third-tier men’s league, while the Liberty compete in the USL W League, a pre-professional women’s division.
“The emphasis the Greenville Triumph and Liberty place on youth play through the boys and girls youth academy teams, and the level of competitive excellence of the Triumph professional team and Liberty pre-professional team is impressive,” Ronaldinho said in a statement.
“For me and our group, this is an opportunity to support soccer’s growth at all ages and levels, and to be part of a community that values international presence and a unique blend of cultures.”
Ronaldinho, who won the 2002 World Cup with Brazil and was awarded the 2005 Ballon d’Or, is said to have signed the deal while at the New York Stock Exchange Wednesday to ring the opening bell.
The announcement did not say what stake Ronaldinho purchased in the Greenville Pro Soccer group.
“We are honored to welcome Ronaldinho into the Triumph family,” said Greenville Triumph chairman Joe Erwin. “His…
 clubs Greenville Triumph and Greenville Liberty, the teams announced Wednesday.){kind=link}