Also on the team are other current and former players from Atlético Mineiro and Cruzeiro, as well as players from Belo Horizonte's third club, América.

The ambassadors will work to continue the development of the city's domestic and international profile by promoting tourism, attracting business and events and helping to create a sporting legacy for the city as it prepares to play a leading role in the 2014 FIFA World Cup and the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

Ronaldinho has won 97 caps for Brazil, scoring 33 goals, and played in the 2002 World Cup winning team.

"This is a very proud moment for me and I'm delighted to be given the opportunity to represent Belo Horizonte in the lead up to the FIFA World Cup and beyond," he said.

"Ever since I moved here I have felt at home, Belo Horizonte is such a beautiful city, rich in sporting culture and with great people.

"I look forward to working with my fellow ambassadors to help showcase this fantastic city to rest of the world."

Belo Horizonte's team of ambassadors for the 2014 FIFA World Cup include former and current players from the city's top three clubs Atlético Mineiro, Cruzeiro and América



The news comes at the end of a good few weeks for Belo Horizonte after the announcement that Team GB will train, prepare and acclimatise in the city in the lead up to Rio 2016, and the Argentinean Football Association's announcement that their national team will be based in the city during the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

"This is yet another significant step for Belo Horizonte as we approach one of the most important periods in the city's history," said Mayor Marcio Lacerda.

"In the coming years we will play a major part in the delivery of the FIFA World Cup and the Rio 2016 Olympic Games so it is a great boost and an honour to announce a wonderful team of ambassadors who are perfectly placed to bring to life the Belo Horizonte story.

"This is an incredibly exciting time for everybody involved and we will ensure that all of the hard work that has got us to this point will continue into next year and beyond."

Sorin, who won 76 caps for Argentina and captained his country at the 2006 FIFA World Cup, has said: "This is a great moment for Belo Horizonte, Brazil and South America and I'm honoured to play a part in promoting the city at such an important and exciting time.

"This is a city that has so much to offer to sports fans all around the world and hopefully our work will help to contribute to a tangible legacy of sports events in the region for years to come."

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