Ronaldinho suspended by Flamengo
Reuters - Thursday 31 May 2012, 16:03
Former AC Milan and
Barcelona striker Ronaldinho has been suspended by Flamengo
after failing to join the squad for a friendly in north-east
Brazil, a club vice-president told supporters.
Ronaldinho was jeered off the pitch when he was substituted
on Saturday after his mistake had led to Internacional's
equaliser in a 3-3 draw.
He was given permission to visit his mother, who has health
problems, after the game but missed training on Wednesday and
did not catch the flight to Teresina for Thursday's friendly.
Flamengo have not officially commented, however football
vice-president Paulo Cesar Coutinho told a group of supporters
in the team hotel that Ronaldinho had been dropped.
"I've just spoken to the club president and he's been
suspended," Coutinho said in a conversation which was filmed by
one of the fans.
"I thought that he might not have come because of his
mother's problem, but he didn't even answer the phone or call."
"Who do you think is going to win?" he added. Flamengo has
existed for 100 years."
The relationship between Flamengo and Ronaldinho has been
going steadily downhill since the start of the year.
Ronaldinho's performances have been disappointing and he was
left out of the Brazil squad this month by coach Mano Menezes
for a tour to Europe and the United States.
At the same time, his brother and agent Assis has complained
that Flamengo have not been paying the twice World Player of the
Year on time.