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Brazilian soccer legend warns people not to come to Brazil for Olympics

A former Brazilian soccer star has warned against tourists traveling to his home country for this summer’s Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

Rivaldo, who played for Brazil’s national team from 1993-2003, wrote in an Instagram and Facebook post (per Facebook translator) that the country is “becoming more and more ugly” and he advises everyone to “stay in their country of origin.”

Why? Because “here you will be running the risk of your life.”

It’s not just because of the Zika virus, which some athletes, like the U.S. women’s national team goalkeeper Hope Solo, fear. Rivaldo cites Brazil’s high crime rate with the photo of a 17-year-old girl who was recently shot and killed in Rio, and the tumultuous political situation. Brazil’s president Dilma Rousseff is facing impeachment due to the imploding economy and corruption scandal.

“Only God can change the situation of Brazil,” Rivaldo wrote.

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