Legendary Brazilian forward Ronaldinho is learning carpentry in Paraguayan prison as he faces up to the prospect of six months behind bars.
Ronaldinho and his brother were arrested after they were accused of entering Paraguay with doctored passports.
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Both men deny the accusations, but they have been denied bail and are currently behind bars.
And ESPN has now revealed Ronaldinho has been learning carpentry to while away the time, but is said to be “loved” by fellow inmates and is “relaxed” in the lock-up.
Unsurprisingly he continues to play football, with fellow prisoners and officers, but he is missing his other love – music.
Since he retired from football the 40-year-old has “spent a lot of time playing the bongos”.
A source told ESPN: “He can’t play any instruments inside but I am sure that in his head he will keep on coming up with melodies for compositions when he’s out.
“He plays football every day and teaches the guys he plays with a few tricks.
“From the very first moment he wanted to make sure he integrated with the other inmates and he quickly managed to do that.
“He’s an idol for many of them and they have asked for him to sign hats, shirts and trainers.”
Ronaldinho also misses his mum, with it being reported he “speaks with his mother every day in the evening and that “she’s one of Ronaldinho’s big concerns.”
SunSport reported that his defence was dealt a blow when a businesswoman who fixed his book launch trip to the South American country failed to show up in court.
That meant Ronaldinho spent his 40th birthday behind bars on Saturday, although he did get to celebrate with a huge BBQ.
His appeal against a judge’s decision to swap his jail remand for house arrest was knocked back last week and he was warned he could faced six months inside.
He is being held in a jail in the outskirts of Paraguayan capital Asuncion.
He was a member of the Brazilian team that won the 2002 FIFA World Cup in South Korea/Japan.
Also, he won the FIFA Confederations Cup and the Copa America.
At Barcelona he picked up the LaLiga title and the UEFA Champions League.
