Brazilian legend Ronaldinho will remain under house arrest in Paraguay after an appeal court judge rejected efforts to release the former footballer and his brother.
The 40-year-old former Barcelona and AC Milan star spent 32 days in prison in Paraguay after he was arrested for allegedly trying to enter the country on a fake passport in March.
Since his release from jail in April, Ronaldinho and his brother Roberto de Assis, who was charged with the same crime, have stayed at a four-star hotel in the country’s capital Asuncion awaiting their trial.
Ronaldinho had faced up to six months in prison but reportedly paid a £1.3million bond.
But his latest attempt to appeal against his house arrest has failed at the Paraguayan Court of Appeal, according to Globo.
Earlier this week, Ronaldinho spoke of spending “sixty long days” under guard in the hotel and it now appears he will have to remain there a little longer.
He compared his house arrest to those people isolating in their homes during the coronavirus pandemic.
“People in their homes must imagine what it must be like not being able to do what you are used to,” he told Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo.
“I think that is something that will remain with us all forever after living in this complicated experience.
“I hope that soon everything will return to normal and we can return to our homes. Hopefully everything will be as before.”
Ronaldinho is staying in the four-star Hotel Palmaroga, a number of hotels owned by Barcelona.
The former Barcelona star spent 32 days in jail over accusations he used a forged passport.
And he expressed his gratitude to his former club: “Definitely, Barcelona and I are united forever. It will always be my second city.
“Barcelona always treats me with a lot of love and respect. I thank you with all my heart for the messages and your love.
“It is the most incredible club and the fans live deep in my heart. I thank you with all my heart.”
