Werder won't release Diego
Brazil suffered a blow to their hopes of a first ever Olympic football gold on Monday when Werder Bremen refused to release playmaker Diego for August's Games in Beijing.
The 23-year-old was said to be very disappointed by the decision of the club where he has starred since joining in 2006, scoring 26 goals in 63 matches.
"We told him our point of view and we clearly explained that because of legal reasons we could not let him join up with the Brazil squad," explained Klaus Allofs, the team's sporting director.
"Our decision did not please Diego, but it is not the end of the world.
"He would have liked to compete for an Olympic medal, but we have to do what is in the best interests of Werder.
"We need Diego, he is our most important player and our supporters have the right to watch the best team possible," added the former German international striker.
Diego said he accepted the decision.
"I respect the decision of the club, I am now going to focus on preparing for the new season with Werder," he said.
Werder have also refused to allow their Serbian international Dusko Tosic to go to Beijing for the tournament which runs from August 6 to 23.
During that time Bremen will play three matches, one in the Cup and two league games.
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