Ronaldinho wants to play at next World Cup

Dec 29, 2012 11:05:00 PM

The former Barcelona attacker believes that he is still capable of starring for Brazil, and that he can help the likes of Neymar and Leandro Damiao in 18 months’ time

Ronaldinho has reiterated that he wants to be in the Brazil squad at the next World Cup.

The former Barcelona attacker hopes he can take part in the tournament in 18 months' time, which will be staged in his home country, and believes a return to the national set-up is not impossible.

"There is no feeling greater than playing at a home World Cup in front of one’s own fans and I do not want to lose that opportunity," Ronaldinho told reporters in India.

"I'm confident and I still have a great passion for football and for Brazil, which leads me to try to return to the team I most love.

"I want to be part of the World Cup. It would be the greatest moment of my life and the lives of many in Brazil.

"I want to regain my old form and I know that I can contribute to the team. It is my priority to make sure I'm ready if and when the chance to play appears."

The Selecao hot seat was taken by former head coach Luiz Felipe Scolari in November, who guided the country to World Cup success in 2002 when Ronaldinho was one of the stars of the tournament.

The 32-year-old, who currently plays for Atletico Mineiro in Brazil, added: "The World Cup will be a great platform for players as talented as Neymar and Leandro Damiao to present themselves to the world as I did in 2002, and I will offer all my experience to help them."