Wednesday, August 30, 2006

Rijkaard axed Ronaldinho

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Frank Rijkaard axed Ronaldinho from Barcelona's 3-2 win at Celta Vigo after the Brazilian skipped a training session.
The Guardian says Barca claimed the Brazilian was carrying a slight muscle injury, although it has emerged that the decision was a punishment for missing a training session on Saturday.
Despite the fact that Ronaldinho missed a whole series of sessions without being left out during Barcelona's title-winning season two years ago, Rijkaard's policy on the importance of training sessions is now clearer and Ronaldinho was immediately left out of the squad to face Celta.
There have also been suggestions that Rijkaard was furious at Ronaldinho's involvement in a commercial endorsement on the morning of the European Super Cup final in Monaco.
But Ronaldinho was understood to be equally angry that Rijkaard should single him out when it was a commercial commitment imposed upon him by the club. He has also been frustrated by the club's failure so far to renew the terms of his contract, as promised in the spring.