Ronaldinho Back Tracks on ‘Not Watching’ Brazil at Copa America, Vows to Support ‘Like Never Before’

• Ronaldinho appears to have changed his previous stance about the current Brazil team heading to the 2024 Copa America
• The iconic footballer, who won the competition with Brazil in 1999, earlier slammed the team, labelling them 'one of the worst'
• In their final warm-up game ahead of the summer tournament, the Canarinha were held to a 1-1 draw by the United States

Legendary Brazilian forward, Ronaldinho Gaucho, has retracted his earlier statement that he would not watch his home country at the 2024 Copa America.

The 2005 Ballon d'Or winner initially stirred controversy with his harsh critique of the Brazilian squad heading to the tournament, calling them "one of the worst teams" in the country's rich football history.

His frustration, especially after a disappointing 1-1 draw with the United States, led him to declare he wouldn't watch the Canarinha in action, ESPN reports.

Real Madrid: 5 Key Reasons why Los Blancos Won 2023/24 Champions League

Football

Ronaldinho backtracks on earlier comments

However, the 44-year-old has since clarified his remarks, explaining that his critical comments were intended to spark a reaction from everyone. He has now pledged his support to the nine-time Copa champions.

"I said that to get a reaction from everyone. I'm going to support Brazil like never before," he said, as quoted by MadridXtra.

The former Paris Saint-Germain and FC Barcelona star emphasised the importance of Brazilians supporting Dorival Junior's men while appearing to change his tune about the team's chances of winning the Copa crown.

"Brazil needs this support; the young players have a lot of talent and are in dire need of support from the Brazilian people. It's Copa America now, and we can come back with a trophy."

"I teamed up with Rexona to support Brazil, and we will create this massive chain of support for Brazil."

'This shirt is my skin': What Jose Mourinho told Fenernahce fans after raucous welcome in Turkey

Football

Raphinha blasts Ronaldinho for harsh comments

In a previous publication, Sports Brief reported that Raphinha has strongly reacted to Ronaldinho's decision to boycott Brazil's matches at the 2024 Copa America.

The Barcelona forward robustly addressed Ronaldinho's recent criticisms of the Brazilian national team.

He even accused the football legend of hypocrisy, revealing that the 44-year-old had requested tickets from Vinicius Jr. to watch Brazil's games at the tournament just days earlier.