Ronaldinho backs 'great player' Seaman

Brazil striker Ronaldinho says he was saddened to see David Seaman in tears after England's World Cup quarter-final defeat and hopes his winning goal would not damage the England goalkeeper's reputation.

Seaman was pictured weeping after the 2-1 defeat last Friday, blaming himself for conceding Ronaldinho's goal from a long-range free-kick.

"I really was very sad when I saw those images of Seaman crying on the television," Ronaldinho said.

"I have been a great admirer of him for a long time. He is a great player with a great past. It would be a terrible mistake if people changed their thoughts about him because of one isolated moment like that.

"I don't want to be responsible for lowering his reputation because he doesn't deserve that. I don't want that on my conscience.

"My intention was never to hurt him. I don't think he could have done anything about the goal anyway. It wasn't a mistake and no one should blame him," he said.

Ronaldinho, who was sent off soon after his goal for a foul on Danny Mills, has received a one-match ban from FIFA and will miss Brazil's semi-final against Turkey tomorrow.