I was just reading about Barcelona not letting Messi join Argentina's training camp. Messi is still with the club in Scotland! When I read this news, my jaw dropped.
On July 14, 2008, German club, Werder Bremen had made clear that they won't let midfielder Diego join the Brazil team for the Olympics. Diego accepted the decision and that was that.
Today, July 22, 2008, Diego, former FC Porto player, defied the club orders and left Germany to join the Brazil Olympic team in Singapor.
Klaus Allofs, on the Werder Bremen official website, said that he believes the clubs are not obligated to let players go with their national Olympic teams. Whenever they are more than 23 years old. "It's better for everyone to resolve this situation once and for all, so that it won't happen again."
I'm writing about it because Diego is one of my favorite players in the Brazil team. Brazil might be the other Olympic favorite with Argentina. At this point I think Diego will stay no matter what Werder Bremen says. Diego is not an untouchable in the senior Brazil team. Kaka, Ronaldinho and others are stiff competition.
Dunga didn't use Diego in the starting lineup in the last Copa America. This tournament is his chance to be in the starting lineup.
- So who's side are you on, Diego's on Werder Bremen's? What soccer player doesn't want to go to the Olympics to represent their country?