Ronaldinho wants World Cup spot

Brazil star Ronaldinho has reiterated he wants to be part of the squad at the next World Cup.

The former Barcelona attacker hopes he can take part in the tournament in 18 months’ time, which will be staged in his home country, and believes a return to the national setup is possible.

“There is no feeling greater than playing at a home World Cup in front of one’s own fans and I do not want to lose that opportunity,” Ronaldinho told reporters in India.

“I’m confident and I still have a great passion for football and for Brazil, which leads me to try to return to the team I most love.

“I want to be part of the World Cup. It would be the greatest moment of my life and the lives of many in Brazil.

“I want to regain my old form and I know that I can contribute to the team. It is my priority to make sure I’m ready if and when the chance to play appears.”

The Brail hot seat was taken by former head coach Luiz Felipe Scolari, who guided the country to World Cup success in 2002 when Ronaldinho was one of the stars of the tournament, in November.

The 32-year-old Atletico Mineiro attacker said the World Cup was an opportunity for younger players to make their mark.

“The World Cup will be a great platform for players as talented as Neymar and Leandro Damiao to present themselves to the world as I did in 2002, and I will offer all my experience to help them,” Ronaldinho said.