World Cup 2006 News
Ronaldinho has a lot to learn, says Pele
By DPA
Jun 4, 2006, 11:05 GMT

Stuttgart, Germany - Football legend Pele said Sunday that Footballer of the Year Ronaldinho will have to prove himself at the World Cup.

'The World Cup will be a major challenge for him. Of course, he's a world class player. But in a tournament like the World Cup he still has a lot to learn,' Pele wrote in his column for the newspaper Bild am Sonntag.

'He has to continue the form he showed this season with Barcelona,' said Pele, who won the World Cup three times with Brazil.

Ronaldinho was in Brazil's title-winning team in Japan four years ago, but the pressure has increased on the playmaker since Barcelona won the Champions League final, said Pele.

Pele, 65, also said he hoped Ronaldo would return to form after a difficult season with Real Madrid, which saw him unable to command a regular place.

'We are worried about Ronaldo because he plays such an important role in our team,' said Pele of the scorer in the 2002 World Cup.

'But a big advantage of our squad is that we have two class players for virtually every position. What other team can say that about themselves.'