The story began with Heart CEO Scott Munn confirming in reports at the weekend that a deal to bring the 33-year-old former great to AAMI Park was in its “embryonic” stages.

Munn added that the decision on Ronaldo would be taken by the club's football department.

When quizzed today, Heart's football operations department told au.fourfourtwo.com that while they could not fully rule out a move for Ronaldo, the chances of the former Barca and Inter great signing for the new A-League club were “none at all”.

Ronaldo currently plays for Corinthians in Brazil.