Ronaldo still wants to be released
(Agencies)
Updated: 2005-05-30 08:17

Ronaldo reiterated his desire to skip the Confederations Cup on Sunday despite coach Carlos Alberto Parreira's suggestion that he could lose his spot on the national team if he refuses to play.

Brazilian and Spanish club Real Madrid soccer star Ronaldo arrives at the Tom Jobim International Airport in Rio de Janeiro May 29, 2005. Ronaldo was given a stern warning by Brazil coach Carlos Alberto Parreira on Friday after saying that he wanted to be excused from playing in the Confederations Cup because he needed a rest. [Reuters]

 Last week, Ronaldo said he was irritated about having to play in next month's Cup in Germany because it would bump back any lengthy vacation until after the 2006 World Cup.

Parreira had said he would replace players who wouldn't be willing to make personal sacrifices for the national team.

"I'll keep trying (to be released from the roster)," Ronaldo told reporters at Rio de Janeiro's international airport shortly after returning from Spain. "I'm not just any young player who just arrived, I have played with the national team in all competitions until now."

Ronaldo, a three-time FIFA Player of the Year, and nearly all other Brazilian regulars playing in Europe were summoned to play in the eight-team Confederations Cup on June 15-29. Among the regulars, only World Cup veteran defenders Cafu and Roberto Carlos were not called for the competition because Parreira wants to test new wingers.

Ronaldo will report to the national team on Tuesday, and is expected to play in next week's World Cup qualifiers.

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