Ronaldo Returns, Thinks Retirement, World Cup
Former Brazilian Star Ronaldo Regains Form, Considers 2010 World Cup
Ronaldo was on top of the world before crashing to the bottom with a series of serious knee injuries and surgeries. Now the former Brazilian international superstar is regaining some of his old form with Brazilian club Corinthinians. And he is contemplating playing for Brazil at the 2010 World Cup. He is also thinking about retiring.
Six Goals In Nine Games For Corinthinians
Ronaldo has made a triumphant comeback from his latest rash of knee injuries. After signing with the Sao Paulo club Corinthinians on December 12, 2008, Ronaldo has scored six goals in nine games. His latest came in Corinthinians' 2-0 victory over Sao Paulo in the second leg of the Paulista regional championship semi-final, which Corinthinians won 4-1 on aggregate to set up a two-leg final against Santos. And the Brazilian league championship begins in May.
Rumors Of 2010 World Cup
The latest success of Ronaldo - whose real name is Ronaldo Luís Nazário de Lima - has sparked rumors that he may try to play for Brazil at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Brazil national team coach Dunga told Brazilian media that he could imagine a return to Selecao with the following condition: "If he is the old Ronaldo." Dunga added: "I saw the will to once again become the great player he was."
Retirement Also Consideration
But the 32-year-old Ronaldo has also made clear he is seriously considering retiring after his one-year contract with Corinthinians runs out in the summer. "My plan is to fulfill the contract and then look at things in the summer and decide if I want to add a year or retire," told the Brazilian daily O Globo on March 26. Corinthinians for their part would like to keep the former great for another season as the Sao Paulo club celebrates their 100th anniversary next season. One thing is certain, Ronaldo has told various television and news outlets that he would not play abroad again.
Prestigious History
Ronaldo, who three times won the World Footballer of the Year award and two European Footballer of the Year, is winding down a spectacular career that also included stops at AC Milan, Inter Milan, Barcelona and Real Madrid. O Fenômeno ("The Phenomenon") helped Brazil to two World Cup titles in 1994 and 2002 and in 2006 he eclipsed German Gerd Müller's all-time mark for goals scored at the World Cup with 15.
Two Knee Surgeries During Inter Years, Prior To World Cup
The goal scoring machine was slowed in the later stages of his career with a series of serious knee injuries. On November 21, 1999, while playing for Inter Milan, Ronaldo limped off the field and doctors determined that he had ruptured a tendon in his right knee and need surgery. In his first comeback on April 12, 2000 Ronaldo injured his knee for a second time, just seven minutes into the match against Lazio, and requiring another surgery. After two operations and about 36 months of rehab, Ronaldo came back for the 2002 World Cup and scored eight goals in leading Brazil to their fifth world championship.
Another Knee Injury With AC Milan
Ronaldo remained healthy after the 2002 World Cup but began growing overweight and slowing. On February 13, 2008, in AC Milan colors, Ronaldo ruptured the kneecap ligament in his left knee and was released by Milan at the end of the season as the Italians did not renew his contract.
Return Home
Despite all the awards, Ronaldo never won the UEFA Champions League. His club AC Milan won the 2006-07 title but Ronaldo had played for Real Madrid and was ineligible to play. By leaving Europe and coming to Corinthinians, the two-time father Ronaldo was playing again in Brazil for first time since leaving Cruzeiro in 1994 for his first stint in Europe at PSV Eindhoven.
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