Paraguay Cops Slammed For Taking Selfies With Ronaldinho

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

Paraguayan cops have been slammed for taking photos with their “idol” Ronaldinho after stopping him on suspicion of entering the country on a fake passport.

Police head deputy Miguel Lopez Russo has defended himself and his colleagues on Paraguayan radio programme ‘Radio Nanduti’ after receiving criticism for posing with Brazil icon Ronaldinho, 39, shortly after he gave a statement.

The football legend and his brother Roberto allegedly used ‘doctored passports’ to enter Paraguay in the capital city of Asuncion earlier this week.

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The incident led authorities to place the two under investigation and search the rooms where they were staying where ‘doctored passports’ were reportedly found. However, the two have not been arrested, according to reports.

Local media report Ronaldinho went to the 3rd metropolitan police station, where Lopez is the head deputy, to give his statement when Lopez took the opportunity to take a picture with the football icon.

Several other pictures have emerged showing a smiling Ronaldinho posing with staff from the prosecution and even an agent who was searching his room.

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The snaps reportedly generated criticism in the country as they seemingly downplay the severity of the situation.

Lopez spoke with ‘Radio Nanditu’ to defend his actions saying: “He is a world icon, for me, he is the best player in the world and nobody is going to take that away from him.

“I was there, I don’t have to deny it or give too many explanations. It is a simple photograph.”

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The deputy went on to say: “There was going to be a large influx of people as well as many that wanted to greet him and the press.

“He went into a room to make his statement and we held the conversation with him there. He is a world icon.

“I am also a fan of football so some jokes emerged. I asked him for a picture and he accepted the request. Anybody can take it well or bad, he is still an idol until the day he dies.”

He added: “He is not a delinquent until proven otherwise. I see him as a football idol and am not supporting or covering up facts that may have happened before.”

Ronaldinho flew to Paraguay for a charity event, however, it was cancelled after the incident. He is reportedly still in Paraguay as the investigation is ongoing.

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