ionigeria.com Nigerian Newspaper
RONALDINHO has revealed his beloved mum is fighting for her life after falling ill with coronavirus.
The Brazil legend, 40, asked for fans to pray for Miguelina Eloi Assis dos Santos after she was admitted to intensive care in hospital.
Writing on Twitter, Ronaldinho – who tested positive for Covid-19 at the end of October – said on Twitter: “Dear friends. My mum has Covid and we’re fighting for her to recover.
“She is in intensive care and is receiving all the care she needs.
“I’m thankful for your prayers, your positive energy and the affection you’ve always shown. Stay strong, mum.”
He added: “She’s been experiencing a difficult time of it since the start of the coronavirus crisis.”
In 2013, the two-time winner of the Fifa World Player of the Year award admitted he came close to quitting football when his mum’s life was in danger because of cancer.
He was playing for Flamengo when she fell ill in 2012.
After she recovered, Ronaldinho admitted: “When my mum fell ill, I said I wouldn’t be able to carry on playing.
“I thought the time had come to stop and take care of her.
“Everyone gave me strength. I experienced a lot of things and it was really difficult but the fans were by side.
“They took a flag with her face on it to the stadium and hugged me.”
Miguelina sold cosmetics door-to-door in Ronaldinho’s native Porto Alegre when he was a child but later studied to become a nurse.
The former footballer’s dad Joao de Assis Moreira, who drowned in a swimming pool accident when Ronaldinho was just eight, was a shipyard worker and footballer.
The Brazilian star had to self-isolate for two weeks earlier this year after testing positive for Covid following his arrival in the Brazilian the city of Belo Horizonte to take part in a promotional event.
