FORMER BARCELONA STRIKER RONALDINHO RELEASED FROM HOUSE ARREST IN PARAGUAY

Former Barcelona striker Ronaldinho has been released from house arrest in Paraguay following his detention for using a forged Paraguayan passport. The ex-Brazilian international was alleged to have claimed he was a naturalised citizen of Paraguay, although other details in the passport had correct birthplace and date of birth.

He has been in detained since March 4 alongside the brother, Roberto de Assis Moreira who is also a business manager, both were held in police custody for 4 months in a hotel in the country capital on house arrest after being released from police custody in April.

Ronaldinho who had an exciting career playing for top European clubs, Barcelona, AC Milan and PSG was finally released on Monday 24th August, having accepted the terms of release, which include payment of $90,000 in damages. While, the brother and also business manager must pay $110,000.

The payment of the amounts of money is in respect “Social reparation” and to terminate their process, according to the ruling by the Judge, Gustavo Amarilla while clearing them from all charges which the precautionary measures of their arrest is now lifted. The judge explained that he did not issue a “definite dismissal” of the case but rather that Ronaldinho was benefiting from a “conditional suspension of the procedure”.

Roberto will not serve the two years sentence in prison which he was sentenced by the magistrate, but will appear periodically every four months before the Brazilian Justice (authorities) for two years. The reason is that he was considered to have had knowledge of the preparation of the adulterated documents which were to be used in Paraguayan territory during preliminary investigation, which was indicated to the prosecutors.

Ronaldinho who won World Cup with Brazil in 2002, two La Liga titles with Barcelona and the Champions League with now free to move without appearing before the authorities.