The veteran striker said on Friday that Ronaldo was
being unfairly criticized, and was confident that the Real Madrid player would
stage a comeback in the World Cup in Germany.
"Ronaldo wasn't going through a good moment in 2002 either but ended being the
best player in the World Cup," Romario told the Rio de Janeiro daily O Dia. "It's
a different competition and I'm sure Brazil will win it."
Ronaldo, who was a 17-year-old youngster in Brazil's squad when Romario led the
national team to the 1994 World Cup title in the United States, has not
performed well recently, fueling suggestions that he may leave Real Madrid at
the end of the season.
Ronaldo's recent form has drawn sharp criticism by Real Madrid fans, and even
fellow Brazilian Pele and former French star Michel Platini have publicly
criticized him.
"Ronaldo has the right not to accept other people's opinions," Romario said,
adding that a lot of people are trying to take advantage of his situation.
Ronaldo, 29, is set to start for Brazil as the defending champion goes for a
record sixth World Cup title in June and July. He was key in Brazil's campaign
in 2002 in South Korea and Japan, winning the tournament's scoring title.
The 40-year-old Romario plays for four-time Brazilian champion Vasco. He is 36
goals shy of his 1,000th career goal. |