AS A-LEAGUE clubs are completing their recruitment crusades for this lengthy off-season, au.fourfourtwo.com decided we'd look back at 10 recruits who didn't turn out as hoped. Here's our Top 10 A-League Flops over the course of the competition's history.
5: Ricardinho (Melbourne Victory)
The Brazilian arrived at Melbourne Victory with the lovely title as 'The King of Dribble' yet where that nickname came from remains a mystery. The 26-year-old former Atletico Paranaense forward's record wasn't glittering before he became Victory's marquee player and was handed the number nine shirt, so his signing appeared a gamble.
Victory coach Ernie Merrick said upon his signing: “He’s a very quick and very skilful player who will no doubt prove a real handful.” However, he never showed such qualities in the A-League, possessing an ordinary first touch and a genuine lack of pace. Ricardinho managed just two goals in 19 games and was overlooked for Victory's 2011 Asian Champions League squad, before being farmed out on loan back to Brazil until December 31. You get the sense he won't be back in a rush.
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