COPA AMÉRICA
Why will Ronaldinho not be watching Brazil in 2024 Copa América?
Ahead of the summer tournament in the United States, the legendary player has made some controversial statements about the current team.
Ronaldinho Gaucho has added fuel to the fire amidst the latest criticisms leveled at the Brazilian national team following their tie against the United States, in a match where the lack of goals was crucial in failing to secure a victory. In a recent interview with a popular YouTuber, the former footballer harshly criticized the current generation of players.
The ex-Barcelona and PSG star expressed his disappointment with the Seleção: “I will not watch any CONMEBOL Copa América game, nor celebrate any victory.” He ended the interview with a resolute statement: “I’m done with it.”
Ronaldinho, who won the Copa América in 1999 and the World Cup three years later in South Korea and Japan with a stellar team featuring Ronaldo, Rivaldo, and Roberto Carlos among others, now sees the responsibility fall on players like Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo, both at Real Madrid, to silence these negative remarks and capture the coveted continental title.
The Brazilian camp is experiencing turbulent times, not only due to Ronaldinho’s critical comments but also because of recent controversies, such as the enforced change of Yan Couto’s pink hair. Adding to the unrest, Ronaldinho recently dazzled fans with his brilliance in a charity match at the Maracanã, showcasing the skills that once earned him the Ballon d’Or.
Ronaldinho’s Brazil boycott goes viral
Ronaldinho posted the following message on Instagram.
“This is a sad moment for those who love Brazilian soccer. It’s getting hard to find the spirit to watch the games. This is perhaps one of the worst teams in recent years, it has no respectable leaders, only average players for the majority.
“I’ve been following football since I was a kid, long before I thought about becoming a player, and l’ve never seen a situation as bad as this. Lack of love for the shirt, lack of grit and the most important of all: football.
“I’ll repeat, our performance has been one of the worst things I’ve ever seen. Such a shame.
“I therefore declare my resignation. I will not watch any CONMEBOL Copa America game, nor celebrate any victory.”