On the 15th of May, Ronaldinho wrote a letter to the Brazilian Football Confederation stating that he would like to be left out of the Brazilian side chosen for the Copa America competition. In my opinion, it is about time that Ronaldinho took a break from Copa America because it has seriously started to weigh him down not only as a player, but it has started to weigh mentally. You can find the letter he wrote below:

CALL TO THE COPA AMÉRICA

Official Communiqué from Ronaldinho to the Confederação Brasileira de

Barcelona, 15th May 2007.

CONFEDERACIÓN BRASILEÑA DE FÚTBOL FAO.

Teams Department – Technical Commission

Mr. Américo Faria Rua da Alfândega,

nº 70 Rio de Janeiro- Brasil

Re: Call to the Copa América

Dear Sirs,

On the forthcoming call to sportspeople to constitute the Brazilian Football Team that will compete in the Copa América 2007, and considering the possibility that my name might have been chosen to form part of the said group, I would like to say the following.

You are well aware that in recent years I have developed an intense, uninterrupted physical activity and have therefore been unable to enjoy the recommended rest times, with the result that at times this situation can affect the high output required of me to comply with the professional commitments of my club, and particularly those of the Brazilian team.

During my whole time in the Brazilian team, I have always shown great satisfaction in serving it and a great sense of responsibility. To wear the yellow shirt for me is a reason for pride and love of my country.

I thank the entity for the full attention and respect it has always shown me, and due to the excellent, sincere relationship we have, I would ask you to understand my request to be left out of a possible call to the Copa América 2007.

I hope shortly to be able to serve the national team with the same pride and satisfaction as always, and am sure that the future still holds marvellous moments for me with the Brazilian team.

Yours faithfully,

Ronaldo de Assis Moreira

This means that Ronaldinho will enjoy a summer holiday for the first time in 4 years. He spoke at the recent Barcelona press conference saying:

I spoke with the CBF and explained that I needed to rest in order to be fit for next season. This year has been very hard. I didn’t have the chance to prepare myself with my team-mates. I’ve damaged myself and I don’t want that to happen again. You learn a lot at difficult times. We players live for the present and we have to demonstrate every single day that we deserve to be in this Club. I can perform better. I’ve scored a lot of goals but I haven’t had a run of good matches. Sometimes I haven’t trained because I didn’t feel well and I needed to do some strength training in the gym

Asked about his future with the club, Ronaldinho, once again, reaffirmed his position with the club and his intentions to stay for next season:

I’m not thinking about anything but Barça. I want to rest and prepare well to be with my team-mates next season in Barcelona. I’ve always said that I’m fine here.

And it is safe to say that issue can rest, for now. That means, Ronaldinho is set to keep playing with Barcelona and hasn’t expressed any dissatisfaction with the club. But if he were to leave, then I’m sure it would be for a good reason and I would support whatever move he makes. I’m not sure if you knew. In September 2005, he signed a two-year extension of his original contract, so I think that would explain the questions surrounding his future.

To add to the fact that Ronaldinho is taking time off, it shows that he is being responsible for his performances on the field and has realised that he has not played up to scratch as he and many of his fans would like to see him. I know that this much deserved break will bring with it a change to recharge his batteries and get back onto the field next year with his team to do one thing… to Be Like Ronaldinho