Brazil legend Ronaldinho releases furious statement as Arsenal stars caught up in row

Footballing icon Ronaldinho has announced he will not be watching any of Brazil's Copa America games in a shocking and brutally honest statement.

In their final warm-up game ahead of the summer tournament kicking off later this month, Brazil were held to a 1-1 draw by the United States of America making it just two wins in their last eight games. Defeats to bitter rivals Argentina, along with losses against Colombia and Uruguay in the last 12 months, has seen Brazil face some significant criticism.

With that in mind, Ronaldinho has issued a rather stunning statement on Instagram which has seen him reveal exactly why he won't watch any of Brazil's games over the next few months. "That's it folks, I've had enough," Ronaldinho wrote.

"This is a sad moment for those who love Brazilian soccer. It's getting hard to find the spirit to watch the games. This is perhaps one of the worst teams in recent years, it has no respectable leaders, only average players for the majority.

"I've been following football since I was a kid, long before I thought about becoming a player, and I've never seen a situation as bad as this. Lack of love for the shirt, lack of grit and the most important of all: football. I'll repeat, our performance has been one of the worst things I've ever seen. Such a shame. I therefore declare my resignation. I will not watch any CONMEBOL Copa AmericaTM game, nor celebrate any victory."

Arsenal duo Gabriel Magalhaes and Gabriel Martinelli are part of Dorival Junior's squad for the Copa America with the latter playing the final seven minutes of the drab draw against the USA. Such was the display of Rodrygo, Vinicius Jr and Raphinha, calls for Martinelli to start later this month were very prominent.

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As for Gabriel, Paris Saint-Germain duo Lucas Beraldo and Marquinhos were preferred, though the Gunners defender has only just recovered from an arm injury. Following on from the claims of Ronaldinho, Martinelli and Gabriel will be out to prove the Brazil icon wrong as their tournament gets underway against Costa Rica on Tuesday, June 25.