Editor’s note: Ronaldinho has since said that he made these comments as part of a campaign aimed at generating a reaction and ultimately increasing support for Brazil. He says he will support Brazil at Copa America.
Ronaldinho says he will not watch Brazil at Copa America, claiming the current national team “lack everything.”
Brazil have not won a major trophy since winning the Copa America in 2019 and following the 1-1 draw with the USMNT on June 13 have come in for strong criticism from their former forward.
Dorival Junior’s side begin their tournament against Costa Rica in Los Angeles on June 25 but the 44-year-old won’t be tuning in.
“I’m not going watch a single game,” he told Brazilian YouTube channel Cartoloucos. “They lack everything. Grit, joy, good football.
“I’m going to abandon Brazil. Things aren’t going well. The team lacks grit, commitment, everything.”
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Ronaldinho, who won the World Cup, Copa America and Confederations Cup with Brazil, also took to social media to say: “This is it, guys. I’m done. This is a sad moment for everyone who likes Brazilian football.
“It’s hard to get excited to see the games. This might be one of the worst teams of recent years. There are no respected leaders, only a majority of mediocre players.
“I’ve followed football since I was a kid, long before I ever thought about becoming a player, and I’ve never seen a situation as bad as this. There is a lack of love for the shirt.
“There’s a lack of grit and the most important thing: good football. I repeat: our performances have been some of the worst I’ve ever seen. Shameful. For that reason, I declare I’m abandoning the team.
“I will not watch a single Copa America match and I won’t celebrate a single victory.”
Following Costa Rica, Brazil face Paraguay on June 28 before closing out Group D against Colombia on July 2.
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(Douglas Magno/AFP via Getty Images)
Source link : https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5566922/2024/06/15/brazil-copa-america-ronaldinho/
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Publish date : 2024-06-15 12:51:44
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