Beijing  - Brazilian striker Ronaldinho on Friday called on his compatriots to respect the bronze medal the South American country obtained in the Beijing 2008 Olympic football tournament.

"For Brazilians, coming second or last is the same," he complained.

"For us players the defeat against Argentina (3-0 in the semifinals) is still fresh and because of that it's hard to be thrilled. But I'm sure that in a few years we will remember this with great pride," the Milan star said.

Football giant Brazil - with a record five World Cup titles - was seeking the first Olympic football gold in its history, but again fell short. On Friday it beat Belgium 3-0 in Shanghai, in the match for third place.

Ronaldinho said the Brazilian mission was successful.

"The players who were here are excellent, and that will leave a positive mark," he said.

"The bronze means a lot to us, and to me it means a lot because I feel as if it were a new start. Now I am going to start working again with an eye on the 2010 World Cup," Ronaldinho said.

Before joining the Olympic team, the off-form striker had not played competitive football for four months, and he only scored one goal in Beijing.

"I'm leave here a happy man, because I am certain that I gave everything and because after not playing for so long I received love and respect. I am very happy, though I could have been happier if I had won the gold," he said. (dpa)