Ronaldinho admits poor fitness affected his season
MADRID (Reuters) - Barcelona forward Ronaldinho has admitted that
poor levels of fitness have been responsible for his failure to
live up to expectation this season.
"Personally I haven't been in good shape this season," the
27-year-old Brazilian told daily Sport in an interview on
Thursday.
"I think I can work much harder and I want to make sure that I'm at
the same level as the rest of the team next season."
The Brazilian said the chief reason behind his decision to opt out
of the Brazil squad for the Copa America was his desire to be in
top physical shape for next season.
"I renounced the Copa America because I want to make sure that I'm
physically fit so that I can play more comfortably. I will be like
I was before."
Ronaldinho missed last week's 2-2 draw against city rivals Espanyol
through suspension and his side can now only win the league title
if arch-rivals Real Madrid slip up at home to Real Mallorca in the
final match of the season.
He said that a combination of inconsistency, injuries and
misfortune had been responsible for the side's failure to stay
ahead in the title race.
He said he was hopeful his team could turn the tables on Real on
the final day of the season.
"We've had some good moments, some bad ones, some injuries to
important players and some bad luck," he said.
"We've got one match still to play and we have to win it and then
see what happens.... I believe in miracles."
Barca play fellow Catalans Gimnastic Tarragona in their final match
of the season on Sunday.