There's nothing quite like Ronaldinho's 14-year-old son to really give an insight into how old you've truly become.
The youngster hit the news in Brazil yesterday, after signing training terms with Brazilian giants Cruzeiro, having trialled with the Belo Horizonte club last summer in fairly applaudable circumstances.
Rangy, skilful and with an eye for goal that would put you very much in mind of the old man, Joao Mendes turned up at Cruzeiro without one word mentioned about who his famous father was.
The youngster instead relied on his ability to see him through that first encounter, and things have gone pretty well for the lad since.
The club, who famously produced Ronaldo before the big man went on to have a stellar career in Europe after coming to the attention of PSV in his first season with Celeste, have now tied up Joao Mendes for the next six years, with his contract running out a day prior to his 20th birthday.
The youngster has also trained with his father's former side Paris Saint Germain at their Brazilian youth camps.
The youngster was full of praise for his new side when interviewed in the wake of putting pen-to-paper, well his Ma no doubt putting pen-to-paper.
It was the team that opened the door for me. I have a great affection for the Club. The workout are very good, the structure is very good. It is the biggest club in Brazil and it is a pleasure to play here. It's a very happy day. Just thank the board for the confidence you have been giving. I thank God also for me being able to play every day.
It is a dream that one day I can sign the professional contact with Cruzeiro, play professionally, make a goal in the crowded Mineirão and dedicate to the fans. Take the ball from the right, pedal in and pluck at the goalkeeper's angle.
Thanks to the wonders of Google translate with that, but by God isn't "pluck at a goalkeeper's angle" a fantastic turn of phrase. I'll be keeping that one son.
Remember the name.
