Ex-Paraguay Striker Says Ronaldinho Is Sad In Prison

Story By: Juan Mayes, Sub EditorJoseph GolderAgencyGolder’s News And Sport

Former River Plate striker Nelson Cuevas has visited Ronaldinho in Paraguayan jail and said the former Barcelona striker is “sad” after snapping a selfie with the star.

Golders/@pipinocuevas23

Cuevas, 40, visited the former Barcelona star at a Specialised Unit where he and his brother Roberto de Assis are being kept in the Paraguayan capital Asuncion as they are under investigation for entering the country on fake passports.

Specialised Unit is a term used in Paraguay which refers to a prison where high-profile prisoners such as politicians and other public figures are kept.

The former Paraguay striker spoke with Argentine newspaper ‘Infobae’ after his visit to Ronaldinho and said: “He is sad. Hopefully, he can get out soon.

“He is just sad because of the situation. His lawyers are handling the rest, I hope he can get out of there soon.”

When speaking about Paraguayan Minister of Interior Euclides Acevedo’s comments when he said the place where Ronaldinho is being kept “is not a penitentiary” but was “almost a hotel” Cuevas said: “In comparison to other penitentiaries, yes.

“But it’s not what he’s used to. The place is big and he was able to play football too. He is with his brother in a room with two beds.”

Cuevas shared a picture posing next to Ronaldinho as they both salute the camera during his visit to the Specialised Unit.

He captioned the snap: “I want to give tremendous strength to this genius who marked the history of world football and say that there are Paraguayans that support him in everything.”

Ronaldinho went to Paraguay last week to participate in a charity event called ‘Angelical Fraternity’ but he was detained by police after he and his brother allegedly used fake passports to enter the country.

Despite reportedly requesting house arrest on several occasions, Paraguay judge Clara Ruiz ordered their arrest saying that “there is a flight risk and there is a danger of obstruction.”

Ronaldinho’s defence claims the passport was given to him as a symbolic gift and he accidentally presented it at the airport thinking it was his Brazilian passport.

The investigation is ongoing.

Cuevas represented Paraguay at the 2002 FIFA World Cup helping them advance to the Round of 16 before being knocked out by Germany.

He also represented Paraguay at the 2006 World Cup but did not make it past the group stage.

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