Ronaldinho to Break Barcelona Contract and Join Brazil For The 2008 Olympics

Diego Videla — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 22:12:11 -0400

Ronaldinho will join the Brazilian Olympic team whether Barcelona like it or not.

It was reported this weekend that Ronaldinho has made plans to stay in Porto Alegre, Brazil to train for the Olympics until the team departs for Beijing. He will reportedly break his contract with FC Barcelona and miss the Catalan club's first training session for the 08-09 season on Monday.

Having recently been chosen to join the Brazilian Olympic squad for the 2008 Summer Olympics, Barcelona's new manager refused to release the two time FIFA World Player of the Year. While the Olympics are not, and have never been on the FIFA calendar, a club will usually release any player for international competition if the player wishes.

Ronaldinho has not been on the field with Barcelona for some time after coming down with an injury during the last season with the squad. He has been in transfer negotiations for some time now looking for a new home.

It looks as though he will end up at the San Siro, although Manchester City have been high on the list of interest as well.

An extremely talented group has been selected by Dunga for the 2008 Olympics and it seems that the Brazilian head coach is looking to bring home the gold for the first time. Joined by Robinho, Ronaldinho will surely make an impact in Beijing this summer.

Chances are that Ronaldinho will be with AC Milan before breaking his contract, but I am glad to see the 28 year old World Cup champion taking a stance to represent his country.

Vamos la Gaucho.

Hey Major League Soccer, The EPL Starts Soon. Take Notes. Please.

Diego Videla — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 19:53:16 -0400

Dear Major League Soccer,

I've been holding this in for some time, but I think it's time I expressed my true feelings:

I hate you.

I know this may seem harsh after the long relationship we've had. From DC United's MLS Championships to Ricardo Clark's assault on Carlos Ruiz. From McBride leaving the Crew to Taylor Twellman crying every year at the finals. It's been a great ride, but I can't hide it any longer. I hate you.

Every weekend I am forced to watch slow, boring, uninteresting and horrific soccer. It's painful. But like an annoying girlfriend that's been around for years and years, it's been hard to sever the tie.

Of course, there are Brian Ching's amazing headers and DeRosario's ridiculous bending free kicks. Then there is the speed of Dominic Oduro and the flying saves of Matt Reis. I won't deny that you give me some action here and there, but it's time you accept the fact that it's just not good enough. The problem is that the breathtaking moments happen rarely.

For the most part, it's terrible.

I hope that one day you will realize that the reason for your lack of quality, dullness, horrible first touches, and never ending turnovers can easily be fixed with one small adjustment. Beckham isn't playing in the United States because of prestige or distinction. He is here for the money, and maybe because the United States isn't a bad place to live and work, especially when your wife is the boss.

He is here because he is making $1,000,000.00 per week. Whether it's endorsements, jersey and ticket sales, Adidas contracts or just plain salary. Beckham makes more in one day than some MLS players make in a year.

It doesn't sound right because it isn't right. It's simple: quality players will leave when they are offered more money.

Adjust your salary regulations and maybe the future Altidores will be happy with their surrounding players, their salary and (oh yes, it IS possible), world class play in the United States. Until then, we are officially on a break and I will be fulfilling my needs with every means possible.

Even if it means watching Mexico's horrific excuse for a league.

Until we meet again, Diego

Bleacher Report - Articles by Diego Videla

Ronaldinho to Break Barcelona Contract and Join Brazil For The 2008 Olympics

Hey Major League Soccer, The EPL Starts Soon. Take Notes. Please.