Rio 2016: Ex- Brazilian football star Rivaldo urges tourists to give Olympics a miss

Popular Brazilian ex-footballer Rivaldo, in a recent Instagram post, urged those who are planning to visit Rio de Janeiro this summer for the Olympics to give it a miss due to the increasing violence in the city. 

The message said, "I advise all those who plan to visit Brazil or come to the Olympics in Rio to stay in their own countries. Here you'll be running the risk of death." The message came in light after the murder of a 17-year-old girl in broad daylight on last Saturday at one of the main roads that connects the International Airport to most of the Olympic stadiums. There was also a crossfire on the same night between the police and criminals during which one died and four were reportedly injured. 

Rivaldo also commented on the sad medical facilities in Rio saying that the public hospitals lack the resources to treat Brazilians and the tourists. According to official figures, the city has reported staggering 1,202 murders in 2015.