The legendary former Brazilian striker Ronaldinho Gaúcho, assured that he will not accompany his team in the Copa América in the United States, as he believes that the team lacks “joy”, “grit” and “dedication”, although he believes that Vinícius Júnior deserves big recognition.
“Things are not going well. Grit is lacking, dedication is lacking, everything is lacking,” said the former Paris Saint-Germain and FC Barcelona player in an interview with the YouTube channel ‘Cartoloucos’ released this Friday.
The Brazilian star did say that he has decided not to watch any of his home country games in the Copa América, which will be played between June 20 and July 14. “Everything is missing, drive, joy… They need to play well, so I’m not going to watch any games,” he insisted before saying, “I’m going to abandon Brazil.”
An authorized voice to speak of his national team
Ronaldinho, now 44 years old, won the FIFA World Cup in Korea and Japan in 2002 with the Brazilian team and also the Copa América in Paraguay in 1999, after beating Uruguay 0-3 in the final, with two goals from Rivaldo and another one from Ronaldo Nazário.
Despite his criticism of the team’s play led by Dorival Júnior, he considered that Real Madrid winger Vinícius Júnior, leader of the current Canarinha, which does not have Neymar due to injury, “deserves” to win this year’s Ballon d’Or.
Brazil will debut in the Copa América on the 24th against Costa Rica, in Los Angeles, and then will face Paraguay and Colombia, in Group D.
The five-time world champion is seeking their 10th Copa América, after signing a 2023 to be forgotten, with more defeats (5) than victories (3), something that has not happened since 1963.