The Wolves were prepared to stump up close to $100,000 for the ageing superstar, hoping he might see it a way to earn an A-League marquee deal.

A spokesperson told the Illawarra Mercury the club gave it their best shot: “We gave what we felt was a fair offer but unfortunately he declined.

"We would have loved to have him out here and seriously pursued all our commercial avenues to make that possible.

“With the timing of the Rio Olympics and his commitments over there, unfortunately it didn't get over the line."

The 36-year-old's presence on the pitch would have guaranteed a mega gate when the Wolves host Sydney FC at WIN Stadium on Wednesday.

But reports suggest Ronaldinho’s camp was seeking more than double the amount tabled by the Wollongong outfit.

Not everyone is a big fan of huge sums being forked out on superstar cameos, however, with former A-League star Simon Colosimo questioning the move.

The ex PFA president tweeted: “Surely spending that type of $ on subsidising fees for junior players will better serve football community in W'gong.”