Ronaldinho admits form slump

Image
IANS Rio de Janeiro
Last Updated : Apr 18 2014 | 8:20 AM IST

Ronaldinho has admitted to performing below expectations as he strives to earn a Brazil recall for this year's World Cup.

The 34-year-old has not played for the Selecao since April last year and is considered a rank outsider to make Luiz Felipe Scolari's 23-man World Cup squad May 7, Xinhua reported.

"I agree (about form). What I am missing most is match fitness," Ronaldinho told Estado de S.Paulo Thursday.

"I have barely played this season. Now we will get the chance to play a good sequence of matches. I am working hard to return to form and help the team."

The two-time FIFA world player of the year was mostly rested during Atletico Mineiro's campaign in the Minas Gerais state league, which ended last week.

He admits he is still unsure if coach Paulo Autuori will pick him for the club's Brazilian Serie A opener against Corinthians Sunday.

"Only the manager can say if I'm going to play or not. I am training well and motivated."

Ronaldinho declined to talk about Nicolas Anelka after Atletico ended their pursuit of the Frenchman this week.

The former Barcelona playmaker was reportedly involved in talks to woo his former Paris Saint-Germain teammate to the Brazilian club.

But Atletico called off their interest Tuesday after Anelka allegedly failed to commit to a deal before an agreed deadline.

"That is a for the club's directors. I'm not going to talk about Anelka," Ronaldinho said.

*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: Apr 18 2014 | 8:16 AM IST

Next Story