Football superstar Ronaldinho has been detained by authorities in Paraguay for allegedly using fake passports. The famous Brazilian athlete arrived in the country to promote his book and take part in a charity event. He was detained together with his brother and another man, Wilmondes Sousa Liria.
"I respect his sporting popularity but the law must also be respected. No matter who you are, the law still applies", said Paraguay’s Interior Minister. He noted that Ronaldinho and his brother were not arrested and are under investigation.
The news shocked football fans, who couldn’t fathom why the superstar, which some consider the greatest player of all time would need to purchase a fake passport.
Others wondered how the 39-year-old planned to go unnoticed given the fact that he is famous all over the world.
Some netizens noted that Ronaldinho is Brazil's Tourism Ambassador and that as a Brazilian citizen Ronaldinho didn’t need a passport to enter Paraguay.
A few social media users were disappointed at the news and said that great athletes can’t control their lives once they hang up their boots.
Others called on the authorities to release the football star and said they would support Ronaldinho no matter what.
Still others suggested that Paraguayan police officers simply wanted an autograph from the Barcelona and Milan star.
The 39-year-old and his brother claim they were tricked by Wilmondes Sousa Liria, who was arrested with them. Last year authorities seized his property and confiscated his Brazilian and Spanish passports over unpaid taxes.