Brazilian football player Ronaldo Luís Nazário de Lima, commonly known as Ronaldo, called for the inclusion of teams from Mexico and the United States in the Copa Libertadores on Friday, saying the move would add a new dimension to Latin American football's premier club competition.
Mexican teams have not featured in the Copa Libertadores since 2016 because of fixture clashes with the Liga MX while US sides have never participated in the annual competition.
"I would love to see the Mexican and North American clubs," Ronaldo said during a promotional event for Saturday's Copa Libertadores final between Palmeiras and Santos at Rio's Maracana stadium.
"It would be an important step for the Copa Libertadores to have those two countries. The greater distance involved in traveling from Brazil to Mexico or the US would add a lot of value to the competition."
The two-time World Cup winner revealed one of his great regrets in football was not winning a Copa Libertadores or UEFA Champions League trophy.
"I would give both of my little fingers to win [those trophies]," the 44-year-old said.
Saturday's clash will be the third all-Brazilian final in the 61-year history of the Copa Libertadores. Santos is aiming to be crowned champions for the fourth time will Palmeiras are vying for their second title.
Source: XINHUANET
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