Ronaldinho has criticised the impatience of Paris Saint-Germain fans after Lionel Messi and Neymar were subject to bitter jeers from their own supporters.
Despite PSG cruising to the Ligue 1 title this season, the two superstar forwards came under fire following the dismal Champions League exit at the hands of Real Madrid in March. Messi and Neymar were relentlessly booed by the Parc des Princes faithful in their first game after the defeat and the sour mood persisted for the rest of the season.
The ill-feeling from fans has also extended to manager Mauricio Pochettino, who was derided on the day PSG clinched the title. There is no denying Messi and Neymar have struggled to live up to their own lofty standards this season as the two former Barcelona teammates have scored just 21 times between them across all competitions - a tally they would usually expect to reach individually.
Argentina captain Messi arrived on a free transfer from Barca last summer while Brazil icon Neymar has endured a string of injuries since arriving at PSG in a world-record £198million transfer in 2017. The duo are two members of a star-studded squad but Ronaldinho insists fans must temper their expectations as it takes a long time to build a successful dynasty.
"I don't understand because there are all the great players," the Brazil legend told French outlet RMC Sport. "You want to change everything? What do you want to have, the worst players in the world?
"We have to wait for them to understand this new way of living and playing football. The rest will come slowly. This adaptation is normal, to do things well.
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"[Neymar] is one of the best players in the world. He's had several injuries this year. When he's at 100 per cent, he's a really special player for this team. Neymar, [Angel] Di Maria, Messi... the greatest players are together. If you're not happy with that, who are you going to play with?"
Ronaldinho spent two seasons with PSG between 2001 and 2003, so he knows all about the weight of expectation Messi and Neymar are experiencing. The two forwards will be looking to end the season on a high note having been held to a 2-2 draw by Troyes last weekend.
PSG conclude their campaign with a trip to Montpellier on Saturday night followed by a home encounter with Metz. They sit a mammoth 12 points ahead of nearest rivals Marseille in the table having already wrapped up their 10th top-flight title.
