‘The way he is respected in Brazil and abroad is different’
Kaka oddly claimed that Brazilian legend Ronaldo is just “a fat man walking down the street” in his home country.
The ex-AC Milan and Real Madrid star also said that Brazilians do not actually support the national team despite their success, having won five World Cups – more than any other nation.
Ronaldo won two of those World Cups with Brazil in 1994 and 2002, scoring eight in their run to the final against Germany in which he scored a brace.
He’s widely considered to be one of the greatest footballers of all time but according to Kaka, his legacy isn’t quite the same in his own country.
“It’s strange to say this, but many Brazilians don’t support Brazil,” he told BeIN Sports back in December.
“It happens sometimes. If you see Ronaldo walking around here, you’ll be like: ‘Wow’, he has something different here.
“In Brazil, he’s just a fat man walking down the street.”
Expanding on the revelation, Kaka continued: “Of course, many Brazilians love Ronaldo, I love Ronaldo, but the way he is respected in Brazil and abroad is different, I see more respect for him outside the country than there.”
During the broadcast, fellow pundits Gary Neville and John Terry were left surprised by Kaka’s comments, who then pointed out that Neymar receives similar treatment from Brazilian fans despite being a global superstar.
Related links:
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- Gary Neville’s x-rated speech at David Beckham’s wedding goes viral
