Corinthians' headquarters came under attack on Saturday as more than 300 frustrated fans protested the team's recent elimination from the 2011 Libertadores Cup, local media reported Sunday.
Fans became violent, damaging club property and pelting the team' s bus with rocks as the players were in transit to practice.
Fans do not want to conform to Corinthians' embarrassing early exit from the Libertadores Cup. Organized fan clubs have demanded that team president Andres Sanchez, coach Tite, midfielder Roberto Carlos and striker Ronaldo all leave the club.
Ronaldo responded to the incessant protests as calling them a "group of terrorists." Claiming to have considered the cries for an early retirement, Ronaldo said that there is no way he can walk away from the game with such a bitter taste in his mouth after the team's recent performance. He also added that he would never give the critics, vandals and "terrorists" the pleasure of such a moral-less victory.
Ronaldo declared that he and the entire Corinthians' staff are bitterly disgusted with their elimination from the continent's most prestigious tournament. However, he guaranteed that the players and coaches are doing everything possible in order to climb out of the dismal phase they find themselves in.
The veteran striker and team captain stated that he understands the fans' disappointment, but he condemned any sort of violent protest, claiming that the recent activity does not represent the sentiments of the entire Corinthians fans base. He also denounced the vandalism to the cars of multiple players as a lack of respect.
Ronaldo also responded to critics that he is overpaid, stating that he only plays out of the love for the game. He also cited the fact that the club receives millions of US dollars due to the sponsors that he attracted when he came to Corinthians.
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