By IANS,
Rio de Janeiro: Ronaldinho was the target of constant jeers by fans of his former club Flamengo as the side defeated Atletico Mineiro 2-1 in Brazil’s Serie A football championship.
The two-time FIFA world player of the year was booed every time he went near the ball by the crowd at Rio’s Engenhao Stadium Wednesday. But his impact was minimal as Flamengo’s tight-checking defense marked him out of the match, Xinhua reports.
Vagner Love gave Flamengo a 1-0 lead midway through the first half with a spectacular overhead bicycle kick.
Former Manchester City forward Jo equalised with a smart turn and finish early in the second half before Portugal international Liedson put Flamengo back in front with a sweetly timed volley.
“They can say what they want. It’s no different to what I expected,” Ronaldinho said of the fans in a brief interview after the game.
The 32-year-old left Flamengo in May after a turbulent 18-month stint at Brazil’s most popular club.
Upon his resignation, the 2002 World Cup winner filed a $27-million lawsuit for unpaid wages, bonuses and moral damages.
Flamengo responded by accusing the midfielder of binge drinking and a lack of commitment to training.
Ronaldinho joined Atletico Mineiro in June and has since recaptured glimpses of his best form to lead the club to second in the league standings.