RONALDINHO is facing a worst case scenario in his battle to be released from prison after a key witness failed to give evidence and Barcelona cut ties with him, according to reports.
The Brazilian World Cup winner, who turns 40 on Saturday, was arrested two week ago after allegedly entering Paraguay with a fake passport.
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Ronaldinho is said to be facing a worst case scenario as a key witness failed to show up at court
Barcelona are also said to have cut ties with the ex-playmaker
Ronaldinho has been warned that he could face up to six months in jail if found guilty of using dodgy documents.
The former footballing wizard has been behind bars alongside his brother Roberto de Assis, 49, and their trial is ongoing after they were both refused bail.
But their case for release was dealt a major blow when Dalia Lopez – the businesswoman said to have organised their visit – failed to present herself in court.
Her testimony is vital to the brothers’ chance of release but on the day she was called, her lawyer presented a doctors note excusing her absence, according to Spanish outlet Sport.
It reportedly stated her type two diabetes means she is considered “at risk” and therefore required to self-isolate due to the coronavirus outbreak.
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Ronaldinho’s old team Barcelona are also said to have distanced themselves from their former playmaker as his chance of release looks slimmer by the day.
Their superstar forward Lionel Messi was recently said to have been considering helping his old teammate with his case but that has since been refuted by the Argentine.
A friend of Ronaldinho recently visited him in prison and claimed he was “sad and angry but smiling” as he vowed never to return to Paraguay.
After his arrest, other reports suggested the ex-AC Milan superstar could be involved in a money-laundering scheme.
Ronalindho the party animal
THE latest blow for Ronaldinho means only a miracle will spare him the sadness of his most low-key celebration since he made a name for himself as one of the world’s best-ever footballers.
Party animal Ronaldinho, being held at a prison on the outskirts of the Paraguayan capital Asuncion with his brother Roberto after allegedly entering the South American country with an adulterated passport, became famed for his extravagant birthday bashes.
He celebrated his 26th birthday with a party at Barcelona nightclub Sol which went on till 6am when he left in a Hummer.
He marked his 32nd birthday with a five-day party at a luxury hotel in Rio de Janeiro which reportedly cost him more than £11,000.
Legend Pele was among stars and fans to send him birthday greetings last year, with his fellow Brazilian sharing a photo of him with his arms round Ronaldinho alongside the message: “Whenever I see Ronaldinho he always has a smile on his face. Happy birthday my friend.”
The Ballon d’Or and two-times World Player of the Year, who confirmed his retirement in January 2018 through his brother, did not always need the excuse of a birthday to paint the town red.
He was accused of enjoying three nights of partying at a Milan hotel in January 2010 before a painful derby defeat against Serie A rivals Inter. Ronaldinho missed a penalty during a drab display.
Ronaldinho went to Paraguay to participate in a charity event called ‘Angelical Fraternity’ but was detained by police shortly after his arrival.
The former Ballon d’Or winner’s requests for house arrest were denied after Paraguay judge Clara Ruiz ordered their arrest saying that “there is a flight risk and there is a danger of obstruction”.
Ronaldinho’s defence claims the passport was given to him as a symbolic gift and he accidentally presented it at the airport thinking it was his Brazilian passport.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
