Ronaldo dropped from Brazil squad

Three-time FIFA player of the year Ronaldo was dropped from the Brazilian national team for two upcoming World Cup qualifiers and the Confederations Cup, the Brazilian Soccer Confederation announced here. Brazil coach Carlos Alberto Parreira met with Ronaldo yesterday and released the player for Brazil’s qualifiers against Paraguay on Sunday and Argentina on June 8, as well as the Confederations Cup in Germany June 15-29.

“Ronaldo claimed personal problems that prevent him from dedicating himself to the Brazilian team at the moment,” Parreira said. Parreira summoned Sao Paulo striker Grafite to face Paraguay and Argentina. He said Julio Cesar, of Spain’s Sevilla, will replace Ronaldo at the Confederations Cup.

Ronaldo asked to be released from the squad for the Confederations Cup, claiming he needed time to rest and recover from the Spanish season, especially heading into next season and the 2006 World Cup in Germany.

Last week, Parreira had warned that he wouldn’t accept fatigue as an excuse for not playing in the eight-team Confederations Cup. Ronaldo had said he wanted to skip the Confederations Cup.