Does Ronaldinho Look Like an Olympic Athlete to You in This Picture?

Word recently was that the great once great Ronaldinho was keen to go to Beijing as one of the all-important over-age players in Brazil’s Olympic soccer squad.

Apparently Ronaldinho’s recovered from the thigh problem that kept him out of the Barcelona team for the latter part of 2007/8. Unfortunately Ronaldinho seems to have forgotten that “thigh problem” was a euphemism for “overweight”.

The above images – taken from Ronaldinho’s recent appearance at a Venezuelan charity match and published in sport.es – suggest Ronaldinho is some way short of being an Olympic athlete. And isn’t black supposed to be flattering?

In Ronnie’s defence, it’s pre-season. Players are allowed to put on some poundage (and maybe inhale some tobacco) when there’s no football on. But looks like he has a lot of work (and a lot less eating) to do if he plans on being ready for the 2008/9 season, with Barcelona or anyone else.

[chunky photos spotted on The Spoiler]

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Category: World Football