This archive report was first published on 15 May 2020.
Former football star Ronaldinho has been detained in Paraguay for over two months, sparking concerns about his prolonged stay in the country. The 40-year-old Brazilian great, who won the Ballon d'Or in 2005, was accused of entering Paraguay with a forged passport in March.
According to a defence source, Ronaldinho's lawyers are hoping to convince the prosecution to allow him and his brother, Robert de Assis Moreira, to return to their country. The brothers have been under house arrest at the plush Palmaroga Hotel in Asuncion since April 7, after posting bail of $1.6 million.
Paraguay's footballers union president, Rogelio Delgado, has expressed his support for Ronaldinho, stating that there is no serious proof to incriminate him. Delgado, a former Paraguay international, believes that Ronaldinho's detention is unfair, given the luxury prison conditions he is being held in.
Ronaldinho has kept a low profile since being released from behind bars, due to coronavirus lockdown measures. In a recent interview with Paraguayan newspaper ABC, he stated that he was 'completely caught off guard' when he found out that the passports were not valid.
On July 15, 2018, Ronaldinho attended the World Cup final between France and Croatia in Moscow, Russia. [REUTERS/Damir Sagolj]
