The former Real Madrid star did not hold back in his criticism of Barcelona’s management
Brazilian football legend Ronaldo Nazario has hit out at Barcelona’s management, accusing the club of mishandling top Brazilian players and forcing them to leave on bad terms.
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The former Ballon d’Or winner opened up about his own controversial departure from the Camp Nou in 1997, while also pointing out similar exits involving Neymar, Ronaldinho, and Rivaldo.
Ronaldo laments Barcelona exit
Ronaldo joined Barcelona in 1996 under Bobby Robson, quickly establishing himself as one of the most dominant strikers in the world.
Ronaldo Nazario spent just one season at Barcelona
He scored an astonishing 47 goals in 49 games, but despite his success, his time in Catalonia lasted just one season before he was sold to Inter Milan.
In a recent chat with fellow Brazilian icon Romario, Ronaldo revealed that he had initially agreed to renew his contract before the club suddenly changed their stance.
Jose Mourinho and Bobby Robson alongside Brazilian great Ronaldo at Barcelona | Imago
“I’d had a spectacular season and agreed to renew my contract, but five days later they told me that it was not possible to continue, and they transferred me to Inter,” Ronaldo explained.
The decision left him shocked and disappointed, revealing, “It was a real punch in the stomach. I loved the city.”
Ronaldo slams Barcelona management over Brazilian stars
Ronaldo believes that Barcelona’s issues with Brazilian players are not isolated incidents but part of a long-term pattern.
Ronaldo Da Lima celebrates a goal for Barcelona at 22 years|courtesy image
He pointed out that Neymar, Ronaldinho, and Rivaldo also left the club amid controversy, despite all being key figures during their time in Spain.
“Rivaldo went off fighting. Ronaldinho went off fighting, Neymar went fighting” he said before adding, “Look at the story Barcelona created with so many successful Brazilians, but in the end the relationship deteriorated and ended very badly.”
Ronaldo joined Barcelona in 2003
Ronaldo also criticised Barcelona’s leadership, suggesting that mismanagement at the club has been a recurring issue for decades, concluding, “For me, they have had a very big management problem for a long time,” he added.
Despite only spending one season at Barcelona, Ronaldo went on to have an illustrious career, winning the Ballon d’Or twice and later playing for Real Madrid, where he enjoyed a much longer spell.
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