Ronaldinho afraid of too much pressure from Brazil fans
(New Kerala)
Updated: 2006-01-27 09:50

Hamburg: Two-time World Footballer of the Year Ronaldinho has said that he is a little afraid of the pressure from Brazilian fans at the World Cup later this year in Germany.

Barcelona's Brazilian soccer player Ronaldinho (R) speaks to referee Luis Medina Cantalejo during their Spanish King Cup soccer match against Zaragoza at La Romareda Stadium in Zaragoza, Spain, January 26, 2006. Zaragoza won 4-2. [Reuters]

"My compatriots are convinced that we will win the title again like in 2002. But I don't believe there is one favourite," Ronaldinho told Germany's Player magazine in an interview published Thursday.

"The people at home always have huge expectations. They cannot bear it if we play badly or lose.

"When we play we always have their dreams and their hopes on our shoulders. When we play in Germany they will be longing for us to bring the cup back home," Ronaldinho said.

Brazil are the record five-time World Cup winners and top favourite again at the June 9-July 9 World Cup. They won the 2005 Confederations Cup in Germany.

The Barcelona forward Ronaldinho, 25, said the team spirit was "perfect" and that all players were real friends.

Looking at himself, the 2004 and 2005 World Player - and 2005 European Player of the Year as well - remained modest.

"God beware. I am not even the best player at Barcelona," he said.

Ronaldinho's modesty is one reason for his popularity in the team, but he admits that he is frequently recognised on the streets and actually enjoys this - for selfish reasons.

"It's always great fun to be recognised. The reactions are really funny. Sometimes it appears as if the people would faint or they appear to be thinking 'I must be dreaming or be drunk.' Some simply start screaming when they see me," Ronaldinho said.