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However, the Real Madrid
player was surprisingly omitted from both the Confederation's Cup and
the World Cup qualifiers in Porto Alegre on Sunday and Buenos Aires next
Wednesday.
Brazil are second in the 10-nation South American qualifying group on 24
points from 13 games and almost certain to qualify for next year's World
Cup in Germany.
"In the past I've been criticised for keeping him in the team," said
Parreira, who stood by Ronaldo earlier this year when the player's form
dipped.
"Now, I'm being criticised for leaving him out.
"I'm not afraid of regretting this. Nobody goes forward in life without
taking decisions.
"But if the player isn't fully focused, it's better to let him have a
rest and come back in shape for the next season."
NO INTERFERENCE
Parreira denied reports that CBF president Ricardo Teixeira had a hand
in the decision.
"You know that Ricardo Teixeira does not interfere in team matters," he
told reporters at the Brazil training camp.
Adriano, who rarely gets a start for Brazil despite his excellent form
for Inter Milan, is the favourite to take Ronaldo's place for the World
Cup qualifiers.
Ronaldo's absence will be a relief for Argentina after he won and
converted three penalties in Brazil's 3-1 victory in Belo Horizonte last
year.
The only country to have played at all 17 World Cups, Brazil can make
sure of their place in Germany if they pick up enough points next week
and other results go in their favour.
Ronaldo's Real Madrid and Brazil team mate Roberto Carlos said the
striker had gone through an unhappy season both on and off the field.
"He's had a tough season and he also had personal problems," the
wingback said.
"It's bad to lose Ronaldo but we have see the other side of the coin,
which is that it's important too see him happy." |
