30/05/2005
Brazil release Ronaldo from qualifiers, Confed Cup

 Brazil have agreed to release striker Ronaldo from next month's World Cup qualifiers against Paraguay and Argentina as well as the Confederations Cup in Germany later in June.

"Ronaldo said he had personal problems which prevented him from dedicating himself to the Brazilian national team at the moment," coach Carlos Alberto Parreira said.

"So the technical staff have decided to release him."

Ronaldo said last week that he wanted to skip the Confederations Cup, which will be held from June 15-29, but had not asked to be left out of the World Cup qualifiers.

On Monday, Ronaldo said he had talked the situation over with Parreira on the telephone and admitted he was surprised to have been left out of this Sunday's home game against Paraguay and the one in Argentina the following Wednesday.

"I was ready and prepared for these two games, but it's the CBF's decision and I have to respect it," he said in a television interview.

"I needed a rest and a chance to forget about the things I've been going through," added Ronaldo, who split up with fiancee Daniella Cicarelli at the start of May, three months after throwing a lavish engagement party at a Paris chateau.

"I'm going to prepare well for next year."

NOT RIGHT

Parreira, who has previously warned players that missing the Confederations Cup could jeopardise their places at the 2006 World Cup in Germany, denied that Ronaldo was being punished.

"The national team is not a place for retaliation or to harbour grudges or resentments," Parreira said.

"But I think we're going to have to do without him for these two games.

"He confessed that, because of some personal and professional matters, his head is not really in the right place."

Brazil, who are second in the 10-nation South American World Cup qualifying group with 24 points from 13 games, called up Sao Paulo striker Grafite as Ronaldo's replacement.

Ronaldo won and converted a hat-trick on penalties when Brazil beat Argentina 3-1 last year and is the leading scorer in the competition with eight goals.

Last week, Parreira issued a stern warning to the striker after hearing that he did not want to go to Germany.

"It would be great just to play the World Cup," Parreira said.

"Personally, it would be great for me if I could just coach the team at the World Cup and not have to worry about the qualifiers and the friendlies, where there is a lot of wear and tear."

"Every player should feel happy when he is picked. But if a player really doesn't want to play for his country, then he has every right to ask to be released.

"Nobody is irreplaceable."

31.05.2005 08:24 +0400
reuters