Update: No 'Dinho NOOOOOO!

Please do not let this be the last kit we see you in....red and black were never your colors.

Never have unsubstantiated Brazilian football rumours nearly brought us to tears (well, ok, not tears, but still made us pretty upset). We had such high hopes for you regaining your form far, far away from the old age home that is AC Milan, but word is that you are contemplating retirement, given how unlikely it is you will be a part of Dunga's 2010 squad and your general unhappiness at the San Siro (though you shoulder little blame on the latter count: Serie A manages to sap the joy from and stiffle the imagination of most attacking players).

But before we begin our journey through the 5 stages of grief, we have a simple plea for you 'Dinho....DON'T GIVE UP! The footballing world would surely be a sadder place without your buck-toothed grin in it (and we mean that in the most loving of ways...honest!), and, more than that, we're confident that you can regain your form of only a few years ago (that is, if playing actually were fun for you again). So, in our desparate bid to keep you playing professionally, we've taken it upon ourselves to complie a list of suggestions for possible your next move:

1. Tottenham - Why you ask? Really, why not? It's all in the management - look at the transformation Harry Redknapp has been able to affect with a squad that was in shambles mere months ago, after the disastrous reign of Juande Ramos. With you motivated once more and incorporated into Harry's structure, you'll surely provide Spurs with that extra irresistable bit of attacking class and tie it all together through the midfield. Plus, they already have a leader in Ledley King and won't need you to take on those responsibilities (because, if we're being honest, you've never really been suited to that role.)

2. Everton - Another solid option with a strong manager at the helm. Though David Moyes' boys have been struggling of late, they seem to have righted their ship over the weekend and could definitely use you in their bid to stay relevant in the race for the top four this season. Furthermore, the recent resurgence of Louis Saha should quell your fears about being discarded as used goods (should you put in a good faith effort), because, well, a club that stuck with Saha through all of his setbacks, would surely offer you a similar opportunity to regain your fitness.

3. Manchester City - City have shown interest in the past, but you can forgive us our skepticism as to Mark Hughes' ability to manage personalities. Still, it is a solid option: loads of money on hand and always looking for publicity.....

Onwards and upwards, we always say...in this case key word being onwards (but we're convinced, 'Dinho, that upwards will follow shortly thereafter...)