Ronaldinho opens up on house arrest in Paraguay after prison release

Ronaldinho spent 32 days behind bars in Paraguay after attempting to enter the country with a fake passport in March, and the Brazilian legend admits that life has been hard in lockdown since then

Posted Tuesday, June 09, 2020 by Dailystar.co.uk

Barcelona and Brazil legend Ronaldinho has opened up his house arrest in Paraguay where he has spent the duration of the coronavirus lockdown.

The trickster was arrested back in March after trying to enter Paraguay with a fake passport.

Ronaldinho spent 32 days behind bars in the South American country, before being granted bail and taking residence at the Barcelona-owned hotel - Hotel Palmaroga de Asuncion.

A luxury 4-star hotel may not be how most people are spending the coronavirus lockdown, especially having just been released from prison.

And while Ronaldinho insists that he has everything he could ever need at the Hotel Palmaroga, the 40-year-old admits that “it has been sixty long days” in quarantine.

Ronaldinho has spent the coronavirus lockdown in a luxury 4-star hotel owned by Barcelona called the Hotel Palmaroga de Asuncion

“Here at the Palmaroga Hotel we have an excellent treatment,” he told Mundo Deportivo.

“We have everything well ordered, we are very calm and they do anything to pass it in the most pleasant way possible.

“It has been sixty long days. People in their homes must imagine what it must be like not being able to do what you are used to.

“I think that is something that will remain forever in all of us after living this complicated experience.

“I hope that soon everything will return to normal and we can return to our homes. Hopefully everything will be as before.”

Ronaldinho also revealed that he has a chance to keep fit and practice his skills, which made him one of the most iconic players ever.

He added: “We do sports and academy almost every day. We have a gym where we can work and a room that has been adapted for us.”

Former club Barcelona have supported Ronaldinho in recent months, as have ex-team-mates including Carles Puyol and Ronaldo.

Thanking those who reached out, the Brazilian went on: “Barcelona always treats me with a lot of love and respect. I thank you with all my heart for the messages and your love.

“I am a soccer player for love and profession. They know me well and they know that it was not an easy time.

“I thank you with all my heart.”