Ronaldinho urges Brazilians to respect football bronze medal

Beijing, Aug 23 : Brazilian striker Ronaldinho has called on his compatriots to respect the bronze medal the country won in the Beijing 2008 Olympic football tournament.

"For Brazilians, coming second or last is the same," he complained Friday.

"For us players the defeat against Argentina (3-0 in the semifinals) is still fresh and because of that it's hard to be thrilled. But I'm sure that in a few years we will remember this with great pride," the Milan star said.

Football giant Brazil - with a record five World Cup titles - was seeking the first Olympic football gold in its history, but again fell short. It beat Belgium 3-0 in Shanghai Friday, in the match for third place.

"The players who were here are excellent, and that will leave a positive mark," he said.

"The bronze means a lot to us because I feel it is a new start. Now I am going to start working again with an eye on the 2010 World Cup," Ronaldinho said.

Before joining the Olympic team, the off-form striker had not played competitive football for four months, and he only scored one goal in the competition.

"I leave from here a happy man, because I am certain that I gave everything and even after not playing for so long I received love and respect. I am very happy, though I'd have been happier if we had won the gold," he said.