Ronaldinho boycotts watching Brazil amid criticism of Copa America squad
Ronaldinho has criticised Brazil’s current Copa América squad on Instagram, claiming there is a “lack of love for the shirt” within the group.
A two-time Copa América champion himself, and a key member of Brazil’s 2002 FIFA World Cup winning side, the former Barcelona forward expressed disappointment in the team’s preparation and leadership.
“It’s difficult to find energy to watch the games,” he wrote. “This is maybe one of the worst teams in recent years, it has no respectable leaders, just average players for the most part.
“I’ve been following football since I was a kid, long before I thought about becoming a player, and I’ve never seen a situation as bad as this. There’s a lack of love for the shirt, a lack of determination and most importantly [a lack of] football.
“The performance has been one of the worst things I’ve ever seen. It’s a shame. That’s why I declare I’m giving up here. I won’t watch any CONMEBOL Copa América games and I won’t celebrate if Brazil win.”
Brazil’s first game at Copa America comes against Costa Rica on June 24, with Colombia and Paraguay also in Group D.
Brazil lost the 2021 Copa America final on home soil to Argentina and haven’t reached the World Cup semifinals since hosting the tournament in 2014.
