The immigration Police in Paraguay has arrested former PSG, and Barcelona star, Ronaldinho for allegedly using a fake passport to enter the country.
According to reports, the former Brazilian national team football star and world cup winner, Ronaldinho was held up by the Police in an hotel in the capital, Asuncion. The 39-year-old was staying at the hotel with his brother. They had travelled to Paraguay to promote a book and a campaign for underprivileged children. Another man who travelled with the brothers – 45-year-old Wilmondes Sousa Lira – has also been held.
The report obtained from BBC sport said Paraguay’s interior minister told ESPN Brazil that the pair had not been arrested but are under investigation.
Minister Euclides Acevedo also said they deny wrongdoing and are co-operating with the authorities
In July 2019, the player reportedly had his Brazilian and Spanish passports confiscated over unpaid taxes.
“Ronaldinho will be heard at eight in the morning on Thursday at the prosecutor’s office,” minister Euclides Acevedo told AFP, adding that customs authorities would also be investigated.
“I respect his sporting popularity but the law must also be respected. No matter who you are, the law still applies”, Mr Acevedo told local media.
Ronaldinho was the 2004 and 2005 World Player of the Year and enjoyed the prime of his career at Spanish giants Barcelona. He won the World Cup in 2002 alongside fellow superstar forwards Ronaldo and Rivaldo.
Ronaldinho’s net worth is estimated at £80-100m and he is reported to charge around £150,000 for a single promoted Instagram post.