World NewsRonaldinho to Chase Olympic Dream |
RONALDINHO insists he will play for Brazil at the Olympic Games in Beijing next month despite Barcelona insisting the midfielder is expected to return for pre-season training on Monday.
Ronaldinho was named as an overage player in Dunga's squad on Tuesday and has previously stated his desire to play in Beijing, but a statement posted on Barcelona's website on Tuesday said the club expected the 28-year-old to report for training next week.The two-time FIFA World Player of the Year represented Brazil at the 2006 Games in Sydney and is looking forward to a repeat next month as the five-time World Cup winners chase a maiden Olympic gold medal after winning silver in 1984 and 1988, while they claimed bronze in 1996 in Atlanta.
"The Olympics are a dream I have and my mind is focused on getting there in good form," he said. "I am focused on my physical preparation.
"I imagine myself doing good things in the Olympics and winning a medal. I do not think about anything else but positive things.
"Only a few people can play two Olympic Games. I want to go there and win the title we failed to win in the past. Our goal is the gold medal. There is no bigger motivation than that."
Ronaldinho has suffered a number of injuries during the year but he is confident he can be fully fit for the trip to China.
"I've been sidelined for a long time, but I am very motivated for training. I miss training and playing," he added. "I only think about training and I want everything to be alright."
The Olympic football tournament takes place between August 6-24, but after finishing third last season, Barcelona face Champions League qualifying ties on August 12 and 27.
"FC Barcelona announce that Ronaldinho will be expected to report for training on the July 14," the club statement said.
"The Olympics do not form part of the official FIFA calendar, and no official decision has ever been made in that respect, so the club is under no obligation to allow its player to travel.
"In recent weeks, technical secretary Txiki Beguiristain has reiterated that Barca's objective has always been to have as many players as possible ready in time for the Champions League qualifying games."
Ronaldinho's brother and agent Roberto Assis believes the Brazilian Football Confederation and Barcelona reach an agreement.
"I think good sense will solve this problem," he said. "We are cautious as we want to solve this as soon as possible."
Brazil have been drawn in Group C with Belgium, hosts China and New Zealand and begin their campaign on 8 August against Belgium.
Copyright (c) 2009 Press Association
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