The 36-year-old striker was forced to withdraw from the tournament after failing to recover from a knee injury and has been replaced by Benfica's Jonas
Ricardo Oliveira has expressed his regret at being forced to withdraw from Brazil’s Copa America squad through injury.
On Friday the 36-year-old was replaced in the squad by Benfica’s Jonas for the tournament which will be played in USA.
Santos striker Oliveira will stay at home to recover from a knee injury picked up in the second leg of the Paulista state championship final against Audax on May 8 – on a night which saw him score the only goal of the game to win Santos the crown.
“I would like to wish a great Copa America to all my team-mates and Jonas of Benfica. He is a great player and will represent our country extremely well,” said Oliveira.
“As everyone knows, I have struggled with a sore right knee. It happened in the final. After a lot of treatment, the pain has continued in the past few days.
“For two weeks I have worked with the medical department at Santos… there was an improvement, but still some limitations of movement.
“I decided to contact the leaders of the CBF to explain my situation and agreed, deciding I would not present myself for the Copa America. I will continue with my treatment and hope Brazil have a great Copa America. I thank the fans for all their messages of support.”
Brazil return to action on May 29 when they meet Panama in the Chevrolet Brasil Global Tour at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, Colorado.
The Selecao have been drawn in Group B of the Copa America Centenario alongside Haiti, Ecuador and Peru.
.....
- Goal