09-07-2008
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Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Atlanta, Georgia, USA
Support: Notts County
Fav Player: Neil MacKenzie
Posts: 128
vCash: 500
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Just read this. Thsi is from the BBC
Quote:
Barca block Ronaldinho from Games
Ronaldinho and Robinho are the star attractions in the Brazil squad
Barcelona are refusing to allow Ronaldinho to play for Brazil at the Olympics despite considering him surplus to requirements at the club.
The 28-year-old was named in Brazil coach Dunga's squad for Beijing on Monday as one of three overage players.
"Ronaldinho has to report for training next Monday," read a club statement.
Real Madrid forward Robinho was named in the 18-man squad while Manchester United midfielder Anderson is one of three Premier League players selected.
The Olympics is the only significant title Brazil have never won and, subsequently, a number of star players have been called up for the football tournament which takes place at the games between 6-24 August.
Along with Anderson, Manchester City's new record signing Jo and Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva were also selected and will miss the start of the Premier League season.
The Olympics do not feature in the FIFA calendar and there are no special rulings on the issue, so the club is not obliged to release its players
Barcelona statement
Barcelona finished third in the league last season and have crucial Champions League third qualifying round ties on 12 and 27 August.
"The Olympics do not feature in the FIFA calendar and there are no special rulings on the issue, so the club is not obliged to release its players," said a statement released on the club's website on Tuesday.
"In recent weeks, sports director Txiki Begiristain has consistently stated that Barcelona's objective is to have the maximum number of players available for the Champions League qualifier."
Fellow Barcelona star Lionel Messi voiced his desire to represent Argentina in Beijing but the Catalan club has insisted they will only release the player if they are legally required to do so.
New coach Pep Guardiola has said that Ronaldinho does not feature in his plans but, though AC Milan and Manchester City have expressed interest in the playmaker, a deal has yet to be reached that satisfies all parties.
The Brazilians won the Olympic silver medal twice, in 1984 in Los Angeles and 1988 in Seoul and they won the bronze in 1996 in Atlanta.
Brazil are in Group C with Belgium, China and New Zealand and begin their campaign on 8 August against Belgium.
Coach Dunga picked Fluminense defender Thiago Silva as the third player older than 23 in the squad, in addition to Ronaldinho and Robinho.
"The experience factor can be decisive in the Olympics," Dunga said.
"That's why several players born in 1985 were chosen, and even the youngsters already have international experience."
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Seems weird that Barcelona admit they don't really need Ronaldinho, yet deny his permission to play for hsi country. Such a shame and I can't see this helping his situation with Barca in the least.
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