Ronaldinho claims criticism of Brazil squad was part of ad campaign

Ronaldinho claims his controversial denigration of the current Brazil side was a collection of social media posts by fans and doesn't reflect his own views.

The Selecao legend vowed not to support the team at the upcoming Copa America and branded it one of the worst in the nation's storied history. However, after Saturday's Instagram post created a stir, Ronaldinho followed up hours later to say his words were part of an advertising campaign for a deodorant brand.

"I would never abandon supporting Brazil," he wrote on Instagram, as translated by ESPN. "These words of abandonment of mine, in fact, were reproductions of real posts from fans on social media. Imagine hearing these reviews before playing? It's not possible, motivation goes down."

Ronaldinho added, "The support of the fans makes a huge difference for the players, and what they need is support at this time."

The 44-year-old, who helped Brazil win Copa America in 1999 and the World Cup three years later, published the controversial views during an uncertain period for Brazilian football. The men's team is positioned sixth in CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying after winning just two of its six matches so far.

"It's difficult to find energy to watch the games," Ronaldinho wrote in his original post. "This is maybe one of the worst teams in recent years. It has no respectable leaders, just average players for the most part.

"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. There's a lack of love for the shirt, a lack of determination, and, most importantly, (a lack of) football.

"The performance has been one of the worst things I've ever seen. It's a shame. That's why I declare I'm giving up here. I won't watch any CONMEBOL Copa America games, and I won't celebrate if Brazil win."

Brazil winger Raphinha expressed his surprise after Ronaldinho's comments.

"I consider him an idol, a reference, and the others here on the team do, too. Everyone looks at him as a reference. It was a blow for us," Raphinha said, according to ESPN. "We don't agree. I don't agree."

Manager Dorival Junior and his players begin their quest to claim Brazil's 10th continental title when they meet Costa Rica on June 24. They'll also face Colombia and Paraguay in Group D.