Ronaldinho chasing Brazil’s first Olympic gold medal

Lately he has often been ridiculed for his weight and lack of form. But just before the 2008 Olympic football tournament in Beijing is about the kick off, Ronaldinho hits back at his critics: “I’m in excellent shape“, he said.

Brazil’s first game of the Olympic tournament will be on Thursday against Belgium. During a press conference in Shenyang with coach Dunga and Ronaldinho, most of the attention was directed towards the former World Footballer of the Year.

Ronaldinho said: “Even if I have not played a real match for almost four months now, my training has gone well. I feel fine and I’m in great shape.

Very few people get the chance to participate in two Olympic Games, and I’m very happy to be given the chance to do so.”

When asked about his recent move to AC Milan, he said: “Every time a player changes club, you feel rejuvenated. This is a special moment in my career and I will do my best.”

Ronaldinho was part of the selection that lost against Cameroon in the 2000 Olympics quarter-final. Last time the Olympics were held, Brazil didn’t qualify for the tournament.

Brazil have never won the Olympic football tournament. Two silver medals (Los Angeles 1984 and Seoul 1988) and one bronze medal (Atlanta 1996) have been their best achievement so far.

“What really motivates me the most is the opportunity to win the first Olympic football gold medal for Brazil. It’s an important tournment, that means as much as the World Cup and other big tournaments for us Brazilians“, said Ronaldinho.

[Source: Aftonbladet]