Flamengo hopes fade on Riquelme

Flamengo director of football Zinho is pessimistic about his side's chances of sealing a deal for Boca Juniors star Juan Roman Riquelme.



The Rio giants are keen to add a high-profile playmaker to their squad following the acrimonious departure of Ronaldinho to Atletico Mineiro, and had been strongly linked with the 34-year-old Argentine ahead of Friday's transfer deadline.



Riquelme emerged as a serious target for both Flamengo and Cruzeiro, following his revelation at the Copa Libertadores final that he would not continue playing for Boca.



Speaking on Wednesday, however, Zinho admitted that Flamengo fans were unlikely to see either the veteran number 10 or anyone else join before the international window slams shut.



"We cannot create hope for the fans. I go out in the street, take two steps and a fan stops me to ask, 'Who is coming?' Two names come out of my mouth, Diego and Juan (Riquelme), deals that were not completed. I think it will be hard to sign a player before Friday, it is not easy," the director told Globoesporte.



"We are working hard, within our own financial limitations."



Elaborating on the rumours that linked Riqelme to Rio, the 1994 World Cup winner denied that there had ever been contact between player and club.



"I never went for Riquelme. When he announced that he would leave Boca after the Corinthians game, and we were looking for a number 10, that pressure began.



"As far as I know, he still hasn't rescinded his contract with Boca, he just said he would not play there anymore. Right now he is not free."



Riquelme missed out on a fourth Libertadores title following the defeat at the hands of Corinthians, who ran out 3-1 winners over two legs.

Ronaldinho bemoans scrutiny

Ronaldinho has revealed he finds it hard to have a girlfriend because of media intrusion into his private life.



The 31-year-old attacker returned to his native Brazil last year to link up with Flamengo, after a decade playing in Europe, during which he was twice crowned FIFA World Player of the Year.



Ronaldinho, a FIFA World Cup and UEFA Champions League winner, is now finding what he does off the field is being scrutinised as closely as what he does on it.



"It's hard to have a girlfriend because everything I do is news," the former Gremio man told Globo TV's 'Mais Voce'.



"I will never stop living my life because people will always talk, but sometimes it bothers those on the side."



"People want to live a normal life. I try to be discreet, but I am not allowed to. After the invention of the camera phone ..."



However, while Ronaldinho said he was interested in a long-term relationship, he is not yet ready to settle down completely.



"I'm too crazy to get married," he said.



"I think I need to retire first, as I'll still have a while yet. Although I want to marry, I also like the single life, not having to please anyone."



Ronaldinho, who has been capped 94 times by Brazil, lined up for Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona and AC Milan during his ten years in Europe.