Barcelona forward Ronaldinho has admitted he stripped to the waist after his side’s 3-0 win over Athletic Bilbao on Sunday to make a point to those critics who have accused him of being overweight.
Photos of the 26-year-old showing a roll of fat around his midriff after he had taken off his shirt at the end of Wednesday’s 2-1 Champions League defeat to Liverpool, have sparked a debate about the Brazilian’s conditioning.
“I don’t have anything to hide. I always change shirts with the other players,” Ronaldinho told reporters.
“Over the last week photos have come out insinuating I’m fat but I feel fine. I have always looked after myself and am in better shape then ever. With everything that has been said recently I was motivated to play even better.”
In the first half against Bilbao, Ronaldinho was involved in the build up for the second goal, scored by Xavi, and set up returning Cameroon striker Samuel Eto’o for the third.
