Hours after Ronaldinho harshly criticized the team’s squad for the next Copa América, instagramThe Brazilian soccer legend clarified to say that his words were part of an advertising campaign for a deodorant brand.
Ronaldinho posted on Saturday that Brazil was entering “one of the worst teams in recent years” in the Copa América, which begins Thursday. He added that he was boycotting the tournament and would not celebrate any victory for his country.
Later that day, he went back on his original message and said that those words were from a collection of posts by Brazilian fans on social media reacting to coach Dorival Júnior’s team and that their goal was to inspire fans to get behind the team.
“I would never abandon Brazilian football,” Ronaldinho wrote. “And I would never say those things you saw… In fact, these words came from real Brazilian fans, they are real comments I saw on the Internet… Can you imagine listening to these messages before playing? It’s not possible, low motivation.. The support of the fans makes a big difference for the player, I know what I’m saying.
“Guys, what our guys need is support right now. The more confidence we show, the more confidence they will have on the field.”
The follow-up post ended with him promoting a deodorant brand.
Ronaldinho knows what it’s like to bring success to Brazil fans, having played for the national team when it won the Copa América in 1999 and the 2002 World Cup.
Before the comments were clarified, a member of the current Brazil team, Raphinha, spoke out in support of his teammates.
“It was a surprise not only for me but for everyone,” Raphinha said. “I think they must know me much more than I do. He never made a statement like that. He always showed support for him. He surprised a lot of people.
“I consider him an idol, a reference, and the others here on the team too. Everyone looks at him as a reference. It was a hard blow for us. We don’t agree, I don’t agree.
“I’m in my third year on the team, and all I see here is dedication, desire and pride to wear this jersey. I don’t agree with what was said about having average players wearing the jersey. I completely disagree. Everyone here has the quality and merit of wearing the shirt.
“We found out, from Vinícius Júnior, that Ronaldinho asked for a ticket to watch our game these days, so it does not coincide with what was said. Being here, I see everyone’s dedication every day.”
Brazil begins its Copa América schedule on June 24 against Costa Rica before finishing the group stage against Paraguay and Colombia.
Following the conclusion of the tournament next month, Brazil will resume World Cup qualifying in September with matches against Ecuador and Paraguay. They currently occupy sixth place in the CONMEBOL table, eight points behind leaders Argentina with 12 games remaining.