Despite being included in the Brazilian Olympic squad, Ronaldinho's dream could be over as his club Barcelona have refused to release him for next month's Olympic Games in Beijing.
Barcelona expected the Brazilian star to report for pre-season training next week.
Ronaldinho is interested in competing at the 2008 Olympics as he believes that winning the gold medal is one of the most important aims.
Ronaldinho has been included by Dunga, Brazil coach, in the squad for the Olympics as one of three over-aged players.
Real Madrid forward Robinho along with defender Thiago Silva, who helped Fluminense claim runners-up in this year's Copa Libertadores, was also named in the squad to complete the three over-aged players.
Players in the U-23 team included AC Milan striker Alexandre Pato, Manchester United midfielder Anderson, Liverpool midfielder Lucas, Werder Bremen playmaker Diego and Manchester City's new record signing Jô.
The out-of-form 28 year-old, started just 13 of 38 league matches last season with Barça as he struggled with injury and fitness problems.
Barcelona's new coach Pep Guardiola has already said that the former FIFA World Player of the Year does not feature in his plans for next season.
Milan and City are reported to be interested in signing, but a deal has yet to be reached.
Fellow Barcelona star Lionel Messi, who has voiced his desire to play for Argentina in Beijing, may also be affected by the club's hard-line decision.
Messi has also been selected by the coach Sergio Batista for his nation's Olympics squad, but the Catalan club have already written to the Argentine Football Association (AFA) that they will only release the player if they are legally required to do so.
The Olympics do not feature in the FIFA calendar so the club is not obliged to release its players. The tournament, taken more seriously in South America than in Europe, is restricted to Under-23 teams with three over-aged players allowed per team.
However, the presence of the over-aged players depends on the goodwill of their clubs, who are not obliged to release them.
Brazil has been unable to include 2007 FIFA World Player of the Year Kaká in their squad after Milan refused to let him go, but Milan were forced to release Pato as he is under 23.
The Olympics is the only major title Brazil have never won.
The five-times world champions won the Olympic silver medal twice, in 1984 in Los Angeles and 1988 in Seoul and they won the bronze in 1996 in Atlanta.
Ricardo Teixeira, president of the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF), claimed that the Olympic gold medal is a priority for the Seleção.
Brazil are in Group C at the Olympic along with Belgium, China and New Zealand, and begin their campaign on 8 August against Belgium.
Brazil Olympic Squad:
Goalkeepers: Diego Alves (Almeria), Renan (Internacional)
Defenders: Marcelo (Real Madrid), Ilsinho (Shakhtar Donetsk), Rafinha (Schalke 04), Thiago Silva (Fluminense), Alex Silva (Sao Paulo), Breno (Bayern Munich)
Midfielders: Lucas (Liverpool), Anderson (Manchester United), Hernanes (Sao Paulo), Ronaldinho (Barcelona), Diego (Werder Bremen), Thiago Neves (Fluminense)
Forwards: Robinho (Real Madrid), Alexandre Pato (AC Milan), Rafael Sobis (Real Betis), Jô (Manchester City)
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Barcelona expected the Brazilian star to report for pre-season training next week.
Ronaldinho is interested in competing at the 2008 Olympics as he believes that winning the gold medal is one of the most important aims.
Ronaldinho has been included by Dunga, Brazil coach, in the squad for the Olympics as one of three over-aged players.
Real Madrid forward Robinho along with defender Thiago Silva, who helped Fluminense claim runners-up in this year's Copa Libertadores, was also named in the squad to complete the three over-aged players.
Players in the U-23 team included AC Milan striker Alexandre Pato, Manchester United midfielder Anderson, Liverpool midfielder Lucas, Werder Bremen playmaker Diego and Manchester City's new record signing Jô.
The out-of-form 28 year-old, started just 13 of 38 league matches last season with Barça as he struggled with injury and fitness problems.
Barcelona's new coach Pep Guardiola has already said that the former FIFA World Player of the Year does not feature in his plans for next season.
Milan and City are reported to be interested in signing, but a deal has yet to be reached.
Fellow Barcelona star Lionel Messi, who has voiced his desire to play for Argentina in Beijing, may also be affected by the club's hard-line decision.
Messi has also been selected by the coach Sergio Batista for his nation's Olympics squad, but the Catalan club have already written to the Argentine Football Association (AFA) that they will only release the player if they are legally required to do so.
The Olympics do not feature in the FIFA calendar so the club is not obliged to release its players. The tournament, taken more seriously in South America than in Europe, is restricted to Under-23 teams with three over-aged players allowed per team.
However, the presence of the over-aged players depends on the goodwill of their clubs, who are not obliged to release them.
Brazil has been unable to include 2007 FIFA World Player of the Year Kaká in their squad after Milan refused to let him go, but Milan were forced to release Pato as he is under 23.
The Olympics is the only major title Brazil have never won.
The five-times world champions won the Olympic silver medal twice, in 1984 in Los Angeles and 1988 in Seoul and they won the bronze in 1996 in Atlanta.
Ricardo Teixeira, president of the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF), claimed that the Olympic gold medal is a priority for the Seleção.
Brazil are in Group C at the Olympic along with Belgium, China and New Zealand, and begin their campaign on 8 August against Belgium.
Brazil Olympic Squad:
Goalkeepers: Diego Alves (Almeria), Renan (Internacional)
Defenders: Marcelo (Real Madrid), Ilsinho (Shakhtar Donetsk), Rafinha (Schalke 04), Thiago Silva (Fluminense), Alex Silva (Sao Paulo), Breno (Bayern Munich)
Midfielders: Lucas (Liverpool), Anderson (Manchester United), Hernanes (Sao Paulo), Ronaldinho (Barcelona), Diego (Werder Bremen), Thiago Neves (Fluminense)
Forwards: Robinho (Real Madrid), Alexandre Pato (AC Milan), Rafael Sobis (Real Betis), Jô (Manchester City)
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Related links:
Team
Personal
