Ronaldinho admits poor fitness

Written by Nicholas Savage , 14.06 13h53

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Ronaldinho has admitted that poor levels of fitness have been responsible for his failure to live up to expectation this season.

"Personally I haven't been in good shape this season," the 27-year-old Brazilian told daily Sport in an interview on Thursday.

"I think I can work much harder and I want to make sure that I'm at the same level as the rest of the team next season."

The Barcelona star said this was the chief reason behind his decision to opt out of the Brazil squad for the Copa America was his desire to be in top physical shape for next season.

"I renounced the Copa America because I want to make sure that I'm physically fit so that I can play more comfortably....

Ronaldinho missed last week's 2-2 draw against city rivals Espanyol through suspension and his side can now only win the league title if arch-rivals Real Madrid slip up at home to Real Mallorca in the final match of the season.

He said that a combination of inconsistency, injuries and misfortune had been responsible for the side's failure to stay ahead in the title race. He said he was hopeful his team could turn the tables on Real on the final day of the season.

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