Brazil
assistant coach Carlos Alberto Parreira claims Ronaldinho has lacked the
"dedication" needed for an international recall ahead of this year's
World Cup.
Ronaldinho, 34, has not played for the Selecao since April
last year and is struggling to recapture his best form for Atletico Mineiro
this year.
"It isn't that he has lost his focus, he just hasn't
been able to continue his career in the way that is needed to play with the
Selecao, with complete and total dedication," Parreira told Brazilian
newspaper Zero Hora.
Parreira, who coached Brazil
to victory at the 1994 World Cup in the USA, said the door was not shut on
Ronaldinho's World Cup hopes.
The 71-year-old suggested the two-time FIFA world player of
the year's chances of being selected for the June 12-July 13 tournament depend
as much on attitude as form.
"I think that for a national team that is preparing for
a World Cup you need a little more desire and disposition. I don't think he has
lost that, but when he had the opportunity [last year] we didn't see it. It
hasn't been clear that the fire is still there. He has had opportunities, now
it's up to us to decide whether or not to take him."
Meanwhile Parreira denied concern at the lack of starting
opportunities for Selecao regulars Neymar and David Luiz at their respective
clubs Barcelona
and Chelsea in recent weeks.
"They are being saved for us," Parreira said.
"It's very tiring to have to play until the Champions League final. If a
Champions League team that has Brazilian players gets knocked out of the
tournament, I'm not going to be too upset."
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