Former Brazilian striker Ronaldo Nazario apologised to Neymar on Monday after suggesting that the Santos attacker does not have a good relationship with the president of the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF), Ednaldo Rodrigues.
“I would like to apologise to Neymar for having spoken about his relationship with the CBF president. As a former player, I know how badly told stories can hurt us,” said the also businessman and owner of Real Valladolid on social networks.
Last week, in an interview to the ‘Charla Podcast’ program, Ronaldo suggested that the former Saudi Al Hilal player partly blames the CBF chief for the serious injury he suffered in October 2023, when he tore the anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus in his left knee in a match against Uruguay, in Montevideo.
According to ‘O Fenômeno’, the ‘Selecao’ star believes that the injury was actually the result of the poor condition of the pitch at the Arena Pantanal in Cuiaba, where a few days earlier Brazil played against Venezuela and were held to a 1-1 draw.
“As far as I know, he doesn’t get on well with Ednaldo (Rodrigues). He accuses Ednaldo that his ACL injury was on the Cuiaba pitch, with uneven turf. That’s what I heard, I can’t say if it’s true. It’s what I heard,” said Ronaldo in the interview.
Three days later, he apologised and praised Neymar. “I know how much your talent can make a difference in the Brazilian national team. That’s why I support you,” he commented.
The former Barcelona and Real Madrid player’s apology comes on the same day that Rodrigues was re-elected as president of the CBF, after Ronaldo resigned from running for the position due to lack of support.