SAO PAULO, June 29 - Brazil striker Ronaldo said
on Wednesday that his place in the world champions' team was no
longer guaranteed but stood by his decision to skip the
Confederations Cup.
Ronaldo missed the two-week tournament in Germany after
saying he needed a rest and his replacement Adriano took full
advantage by finishing as topscorer with five goals.
Adriano's tally included two in Wednesday's final as Brazil
beat Argentina 4-1.
"(Coach Carlos Alberto) Parreira said that my place is
guaranteed, but I don't think it works that way," Ronaldo told
reporters.
"I know that if I don't score goals, he won't pick me."
Ronaldo insisted on sitting out the Confederations Cup
despite warnings from Parreira that he would not accept fatigue
as an excuse.
Parreira eventually accepted Ronaldo's arguments but also
dropped him from two World Cup qualifiers in early June in
which Ronaldo had wanted to play.
"I did what I thought was right, which was to have a
holiday," said Ronaldo.
"I wanted to give priority to preparing for the World Cup
next year," he said.
"I want to prepare very well so I get to the end of the
season without any physical problems. I want it to be the year
of my life."