I Never Imagined I’d Go Through Such –Brazil Legend, Ronaldinho

If you could come face to face with football great and former Brazilian international, Ronaldinho, there’s every likelihood, you would not recognise him.

With the usually well-expressed signature smile missing, and telling signs of aging present, it is mere statement of the obvious, that the midfield maestro has seen better days.

The bitterest part of his phase, is a prison experience in Paraguay over possession of a fake passport.

Now, upon reflection, he says: “I never imagined I would go through such a situation”.

Ronaldinho who left indelible impacts in several club sides including Barcelona, says he had been very surprised at that sad turn of event, referring particularly to being arrested and charged, an imbroglio that also involved his brother.  It was his first interview after being released from prison.

It will be recalled that the former Barcelona footballer and his brother Roberto Assis were arrested in Paraguay in early March for allegedly using fake documents to enter the country.

After spending 32 days in prison, judge Gustavo Amarilla extended a window to the duo ruling that they could live in a hotel in Asuncion awaiting trial on their charges.

Speaking to Paraguayan television network ABC Color from the Palmaroga hotel in the Paraguayan capital, the 40-year-old former Brazil international said they came to the country to be at the launch of an online casino.

He said: “We were totally surprised to learn that the documents were not legal. Since then our intention has been to collaborate with the justice system to clarify the facts.

“From that moment until today, we have explained everything and facilitated everything that has been requested of us.”

Speaking of the moment he was told he was going to jail, Ronaldinho said: “It was a hard blow, I never imagined that I would go through such a situation. All my life I have sought to reach the highest professional level and bring joy to people with my football.”

The former Barca star said he’d had plenty of opportunities to play football in prison and was constantly stopped for autographs and photos even when inside the maximum security Agrupacion Especializada prison after being arrested at the Resort Yacht and Golf Club Paraguay.

Ronaldinho said that despite being arrested and charged he felt no ill-will towards the people of Paraguay and that his religion had helped him through the situation.

He said: “The warmth, affection and respect of all Paraguayans has been felt from the first day I arrived in the country until today, and I am very grateful.

“I have my faith. I always pray for things to go well and hopefully this will be over soon.”

According to ABC Color, the interview was held face to face in the hotel despite the coronavirus lockdown, with stringent hygiene measures in place.

Social distancing was practised, protective covers were placed on microphones and Ronaldinho wore a face-mask at all times except when answering questions, according to Goal.com reports.

Ronaldinho said that the first thing he would do once the situation is resolved is go to see his mum.

Ronaldinho had been a Ballon D’Or winner and part of Brazil’s 2002 World Cup-winning squad