Ronaldinho: Totally surprised to learn that the documents were not legal

The 40-year-old spoke to the media for the first time since getting arrested in Paraguay.

The former World Cup winner Ronaldinho has said that he was totally surprised when he and his brother Roberto Assis were arrested and charged for using a fake passport in Paraguay in March. Although after 32 days in prison, a judge allowed the duo to live in a hotel during their trial.

Speaking to ABC Color from Paraguay, Ronaldinho said, "We were totally surprised to learn that the documents were not legal. Since then our intention has been to collaborate with the justice system to clarify the facts.

“From that moment until today, we have explained everything and facilitated everything that has been requested of us.”

The 40-year old mentioned that they came to Paraguay to be at a launch of an online casino. He reflected on the moment they were told they were put into jail, he said, "It was a hard blow, I never imagined that I would go through such a situation. All my life I have sought to reach the highest professional level and bring joy to people with my football.

Ronaldinho praised the people of Paraguay and also noted that the inmates were generous and kind to him. He said, "The warmth, affection and respect of all Paraguayans has been felt from the first day I arrived in the country until today, and I am very grateful. have my faith. I always pray for things to go well and hopefully this will be over soon.”

According to ABC Color, the interview was held in person at the Palmaroga hotel where all the necessary Covid-19 precautions were taken.

On what he will do once everything is cleared, Ronaldinho said, "The first thing will be to give a big kiss to my mother who has lived through these difficult days since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic in her home, then it will be to absorb the impact that this situation has generated and move forward."

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