RONALDINHO’S son, Joao Mendes, has completed a shock transfer to Hull City.
The 20-year-old, formerly of Barcelona, was announced by the Tigers academy on Thursday evening.
Earlier this week, SunSport reported how the left-footed winger was set to join the club after being released by Burnley this summer.
And that move has now been made official, with Mendes being tied down to a one-year deal with the option for an additional year.
In a statement, Hull said: “Hull City are delighted to announce the signing of exciting winger João Mendes…
“The 20-year-old joins as a free agent and will link up with Conor Sellars’ Under-21 side.”
On the move, Mendes said he was “happy and excited to join”, and expressed his love for the beautiful game as he looks to continue his career.
He said: “I am really happy and excited. I think it is going to be a good season.
“I saw the game against Birmingham Under-21s and I think the lads are really good. I think it is a really good team and I am excited for the future.
“I play as a right winger or an attacking midfielder. I am a fast, explosive and creative player. I think it is good to be able to play in different styles of football.
“In Brazil, it is one style, Spain is another one and England is another one so I think it compliments your game really well if you have played at different places.
“It is a great stadium, beautiful stadium (MKM Stadium). Everything looks good, the pitch looks good and I am just excited to be here and play.
“I just want to help as much as I can in the Under-21s and in the first team.
“I don’t mind what level, I just love playing football and if the chance comes, I will take great use of it.”
Mendes has previously spoken about stepping out his father’s shadow, and admitted he did find the climate change from Brazil to England “challenging” at first.
He told ESPN in February: “It’s difficult at first, there’s no denying that.
“Even more so now in winter and here, as it’s in the north, it’s a bit worse. If you put on a glove, two socks, we can manage.
“Even though it’s a small town, people are very passionate and connected to football.
“You can see it at matches here, because [the fans] always fill the stadium.
“I think that’s very nice here, the connection they have with the club is very big.”
At Hull, Mendes will not be the only player with a famous father behind them.
He will now be accompanied by Zac Jagielka, the son of former Everton and England international Phil Jagielka.
But despite his father representing the Three Lions on no fewer than 40 occasions, Zac has turned out for the Wales youth international set-up since 2023.
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