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South American Dispatch: Brazilian Strikers Tell Dunga Don’t Pick Me, Pick Him

Goal.com’s Tim Sturtridge uncovers the news in South America in his daily reports from Monday to Saturday...

Nov 14, 2009 4:15:52 PM

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Ronaldinho - Milan (Getty Images)

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Ronaldo and Adriano know a little a bit about getting the best out of each other. The duo were the mainstay of Brazil’s front line just a few short years ago.

Injury and mental health problems took their toll on the players and saw them both turn their backs on football in Italy and return to their homeland. Now Ronaldo is doing his damage on behalf of Corinthians, while Adriano is joint top scorer in the Brazilian league thanks to his goals for Flamengo.

Knowing better than most the personal trials and tribulations that Adriano has had to face, his former international strike partner was quick to heap the praise on the player this week.

“I’m very happy for Adriano who has returned after many personal problems,” O Fenômeno said. “So much for me and for him happened in such a few short years.”

Ronaldo added that Adriano would be getting his vote as Brazilian Player of the Year.

“I would vote for Adriano because I think he has been the most influential player so far.” The three time FIFA World Player of the Year said. “I like key players, the ones who take charge of the ball in difficult times and take responsibility.”

Extremely happy with his own football at the moment Ronaldo confessed that he is uncertain when he will hang his boots up.

“Such amazing things have been happening to me here in Brazil that I am confused about retirement.” Ronaldo said. “When things go well you always want to continue but my body asks me to rest. My body has taken many years of beatings, injuries, operations in writing its own incredible story.”

Robinho wants Ronaldinho in the Brazil squad.

AC Milan’s Ronaldinho has found another ally in his attempts to reach the World Cup finals in South Africa. The former Barcelona man is currently enjoying a good spell in Italy and his form has not escaped his fellow countryman Robinho.

While the Manchester City striker has been recovering from injury he has watched Ronaldinho’s latest resurgence and is believed to have voiced his opinion of the Rossoneri man to Dunga.

“Ronaldinho is a great player and I hope he can return, in my opinion we are talking about a genius who when on form can decide a game on his own.”

Robinho said. “He is simply an amazing player and we all know the great quality he has.”

Robinho was speaking ahead of Brazil’s friendly with England. The Premier League ace is not expected to take part in the match as he continues to nurse an injury.

“It’s good to see Ronaldinho improving and everyone still has a chance to make the squad.” Robinho added. “There are over six months for players to perform well for their clubs and put a little doubt in Dunga’s mind.”

After Brazil’s games with England and Oman their is only one more international friendly date before Dunga will select his squad for the World Cup finals. If Ronaldinho or even Ronaldo or Adriano for that matter have any hope of heading to South Africa then surely they must get themselves involved in this March friendly.

Question mark still hangs over Maxi Lopez’s future

Argentine Maxi Lopez is still unsure of where he will be playing his football in 2010, as talks between Gremio and FC Moscow have hit a standstill.

Gremio are currently enjoying the player’s services on loan from the Russian outfit and are keen to secure a move for Lopez before next season. In order to get their man, however, the Brazilian outfit must stump up $1 million to acquire 50% of the player’s registration.

With no investment forthcoming for the transfer, even Lopez himself as no idea where he will be playing next season and is instead concentrating on the present moment.

“I’m totally focused on the last games of the league and I will just let the transfer talks continue.” The former Barcelona man said. “I try to stay away from the transfer issue and just focus on the games.”

One stipulation the player has given for any potential transfer is that after finding himself on the move so much already in his career he wants a two year contract at the very least.

Tim Sturtridge, Goal.com

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