Ronaldinho Criticizes Brazil, Calling Them a ‘Disgrace’
Brazilian star Ronaldinho Gaúcho once again criticized the current national team on Saturday, calling it "perhaps one of the worst teams in recent years," lacking "respectable" leaders and "mostly average players."
"That's it, friends, I've had enough. This is a sad moment for anyone who loves Brazilian football. It's hard to find the energy to watch the matches," Ronaldinho stated on his social media, as Brazil is preparing for the Copa América in the United States.
The former FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain player reinforced his criticism in a YouTube interview released on Friday, where he opined that the Canarinha lacks "joy," "grit," "commitment," and "everything."
"I've been following football since I was a child, long before thinking of becoming a player, and I had never seen such a bad situation. There's a lack of love for the jersey, lack of determination, and most importantly: football," he wrote on Saturday.
In his opinion, the performance of the current team "has been one of the worst" he has "ever seen."
"A disgrace. That's why I'm done. I won't watch any Copa América matches, nor will I celebrate any victories," he concluded.
Brazil will debut in the Copa América on the 24th against Costa Rica in Los Angeles, followed by matches against Paraguay and Colombia in Group D.
The five-time world champion is seeking its tenth Copa América title after a forgettable 2023, with more defeats (5) than victories (3), something that hasn't happened since 1963.
In January, Dorival Júnior took over the national team, with a record so far of two wins against England (0-1) and Mexico (2-3), and two draws against Spain (3-3) and the United States (1-1) in the four friendlies he has managed to date.
