Ronaldinho has spoken out about his stint in a Paraguayan prison after allegedly using a fake passport to enter the country.
The former Brazil international and his brother were charged with using false documents when they arrived to attend the launch of an online casino in early March.
They spent 32 days in jail before judge Gustavo Amarilla ruled that the they could await trial under house arrest at the Palmaroga hotel in the Paraguayan capital.
Ronaldinho maintains he and his brother had no idea the passport had been doctored.
He told local TV network AB Color: “We were totally surprised to learn that the documents were not legal. Since then our intention has been to collaborate with the justice system to clarify the facts.
“From that moment until today, we have explained everything and facilitated everything that has been requested of us.@
On the moment he was sent to prison, he added: “It was a hard blow, I never imagined that I would go through such a situation. All my life I have sought to reach the highest professional level and bring joy to people with my football.“The warmth, affection and respect of all Paraguayans has been felt from the first day I arrived in the country until today, and I am very grateful.
“I have my faith. I always pray for things to go well and hopefully this will be over soon.
Ronaldinho was pictured playing football during his time in jail, and revealed he tried to remain positive with fellow inmates while behind bars.
He added: “Playing football, signing autographs and having photos taken is part of my life.
“I’d have no reason to stop doing it, especially with people who were experiencing a difficult time the same as me.”
