WASHINGTON, JUN 16: Former Brazilian legend Ronaldinho Gaúcho criticised the national team on Saturday, calling it one of the worst teams lately due to the poor performance.
“Perhaps one of the worst teams in recent years,” lacking “respectable” leaders and “mostly average players,” he said.
“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. This is probably one of the weakest teams in recent years, without any respectable leaders, mostly consisting of average players,” the 44-year-old posted on his Instagram handle.
The five-time World Cup winners are not at their usual best, bagging only one win from their last eight international friendlies. Brazil’s most recent performance was against the USA on June 13, which came down to a 1-1 draw.
Brazil is all set to play its inaugural match of the Copa América in the United States against Costa Rica on June 24 before facing Paraguay and Colombia in Group D.
The team aims for its tenth Copa América title after a forgettable 2023, with more defeats (5) than victories (3), something that hasn’t happened since 1963.
Moreover, the former FC Barcelona player stated in a YouTube interview posted on Friday that Canarinha lack “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, a lack of determination, and most importantly: football,” he wrote on Saturday.
The Ballon d’Or award winner believes that the Canrinha are giving their worst performance of all time, and he won’t be watching any forthcoming Copa América matches.
“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.
