Brazilian greats analyse issue of key players' absence at Copa America.


Two former Brazilian greats, King Pele and Socrates have spoken out on the absence of two current greats, Gaucho Ronaldinho and Kaka from the Copa America 2007 Competition which will commence in less than a month's time.
Ronaldinho stars for La Liga defending champions and former UEFA winners, Barcelona FC while Kaka plays for current UEFA League Champions, AC Milan.

Both have asked to be left out of Brazil's squad to the Copa America based on fatigue from a hectic season.


Pele, who has always shown admiration and support for the two skill masters, is of the opinion that so long as the decision was made by the players themselves, then it was ok :

They were honest with the way they felt and I admire their frankness and forthrightness. There is no essence playing when one doesn't feel like. We must respect the fact that they have the right to appeal for leave of absence based on physical condition.

However, compatriot and 1982 World Cup dynamo, Socrates, sees it quite differently. He blamed the absence of the stars on the lower regard attached to the Copa America. The qualified medical doctor and successful footballer:

If it were the World Cup, they would not be asking for rest or leave of absence. This underscores the fact that the Copa America is of no value or regard.