Ronaldo has agreed to play with the Brazilian team Corinthians, a return home
for the three-time FIFA player of the year whose career has been undercut by
injuries.
His decision was confirmed Tuesday by a team spokeswoman who spoke on condition
of anonymity to The Associated Press because she was not authorized to release
the information. She said the announcement was expected this week.
Calls to Ronaldo’s spokesman were not immediately answered.
The 32-year-old striker ruptured a tendon in his left knee in an Italian league
game with AC Milan in February, the third major knee injury of his career. He
has been in rehab for months.
Ronaldo recently has been training with the Brazilian club Flamengo, the team he
supported while growing up in Rio de Janeiro.
Reports speculating on Ronaldo’s future suggested he would play for Manchester
City, Paris Saint-Germain or an Italian club.
In September, Ronaldo told the AP he was concerned about his knee being 100
percent, adding “I don’t know where I’m going to be two months from now.”
An injury to Ronaldo’s right knee sidelined him for nearly a year in 2000. He
recovered in time to lead Brazil to the 2002 World Cup, scoring eight goals in
the tournament, including two in the final against Germany. |