Brazilian legend Ronaldinho Gaucho recently came forward with harsh comments aimed at the national football team. The former FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain player stated that Brazil were only a shadow of their former selves and that they were one of the worst sides in recent years.
However, Brazil and Barcelona winger Raphinha has come forward with a surprisingly contrasting take on the incident. In response to Ronaldinho’s comments, Raphinha stated that Vinicius Jr. recently had a ‘friendly’ interaction with the 44-year-old.
I don't know if that was an advertisement or not. But a few days ago, I was told that he asked Vinicius Jr. for tickets to come see our games. I was surprised in any case and don't agree with his statement. Raphinha said in an interview
Both Ronaldinho’s comments and Raphinha’s response has sparked outrage on social media. While many agree that Brazil and their squad aren’t at the level they’re supposed to be at, others appeared to disagree with the legend.
Raphinha: “Ronaldinho’s statement? I don’t know if that was an adv or not but… few days ago, I’m told he asked Vini Jr for tickets to come see our games (laughs)”. ️
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 15, 2024
“In any case, I was surprised and I don’t agree with his statement”. pic.twitter.com/MBl9pmXXZf
Fans opined that such a harsh critique of the national team ahead of a major tournament wouldn’t do good for anyone.
Newly revealed Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe was handed a brutal response by Barcelona forward Raphinha following the former’s comments regarding the World Cup and Euros. In a recent press conference, Mbappe claimed that the Euros are more difficult to win as compared to the World Cup.
While many fans argued that Mbappe had his reasons to say so, Raphinha himself felt otherwise.
Unfortunately for him and fortunately for us, he lost a World Cup final to a South American country. Raphinha said in a recent press conference
The Brazilian also added that he’d like to see European teams compete in South American qualifiers in the high altitude and pitch conditions. Lionel Messi also responded to Mbappe’s claim, even though the No.10 chose to be more polite.
Raphinha on Mbappe's words: "Unfortunately for him, and fortunately for us, he lost a World Cup to a South American team.
— All About Argentina (@AlbicelesteTalk) June 15, 2024
"I would like to see the European teams do the qualifiers in South America, on the pitch and at the altitude we face. I want to see then if it's easy or… pic.twitter.com/1OYHJMK7un
It is not difficult to see why Mbappe holds the Euros to a higher standard having reached the final of the World Cup twice and winning it once in eight years. However, the Frenchman has failed to replicate his success in the Euros, having been eliminated by Switzerland in the Round of 16. The Les Bleus open their campaign in the 2024 edition against Austria on the 18th of June.
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