Ronaldinho has left Flamengo after winning a court injunction allowing him to terminate his contract.
The former AC Milan and Barcelona playmaker has had a troubled 17 months at Flamengo, with his downturn in form leading to him being booed off by his own fans at the weekend.
Following the 3-3 draw with Internacional, Ronaldinho was given permission to visit his mother, who has health problems, but he failed to return to the club this week.
Flamengo say the 32-year-old has not trained for four days and that the matter will be dealt with by the legal department.
"We have always dealt with matters concerning Ronaldinho internally and with high standards," said club president Patricia Amorim.
"We didn't expect an attitude such as this. The legal department will take measures to protect the interests of Flamengo. The club is bigger than any person and always will be."
It has been reported that Ronaldinho, though, will be suing the club for around $20 million in unpaid wages and images rights.
Rafael de Piro, from Flamengo's legal department, called the amount 'absurd' and added: "We will take a close look at the lawsuit before making a decision. We've forgiven Ronaldinho's acts of indiscipline during all this time."
Ronaldinho was criticised by fans recently for his poor form and also for allegedly appearing in nightclubs and at parties.
And Flamengo vice president Paulo Cesar Coutinho was caught on film this week saying the playmaker had been playing 'rubbish' and that he would be dropped.
The club themselves have admitted that they have had difficult paying Ronaldinho since ending their partnership with Traffic, who contributed greatly towards his salary.
