Brazilians burn Ronaldinho statue

RIO DE JANEIRO: Angry Brazilian football fans have destroyed a seven-metre tall statue of World Player of the Year Ronaldinho following the national team's World Cup quarter-final exit at the hands of France.

The statue, made out of resin and iron, in the southern town of Chapeco in Santa Catarina state, was burnt in the night of Saturday to Sunday, after the Selecao's 1-0 defeat to Les Bleus, according to the local mayor's spokesperson.

"All that's left is a burnt out metal skeleton of a statue," the source said.

The monument, depicting Ronaldinho with a ball, was inaugurated two years ago to celebrate the player's first World Footballer of the Year award in 2004.

The Barcelona forward, who is from the neighbouring Rio Grande do Sul state, was a major disappointment for Brazil during the tournament, failing to shine as he had done all season in his club's colours.