Ronaldo will look to put his new club before any thoughts of again appearing for
Brazil as he looks to rebuild his career at Corinthians.The 32-year-old agreed a
one-year deal to join Corinthians on Friday, and the striker feels he owes the
Sao Paulo club a debt of gratitude for giving him an opportunity to resume his
injury-plagued career.
Ronaldo has been sidelined by a serious knee injury sustained in February while
with AC Milan which subsequently saw the Italian club opt not to renew his
contract in the summer.
That left his career in the balance but after Corinthians offered him a pathway
back, the scorer of a record 15 World Cup finals goals with Brazil, is keen to
repay their faith.
"My goal is Corinthians. The national team is something that you get the chance
to be a part of as a consequence of playing well with your club," he told
reporters.
Ronaldo's capture continues a period of resurgence for Corinthians who recently
ensured their return back to the Campeonato Brasileiro - Brazil's top flight -
for next season.
The club are due to play in the Campeonato Paulista before that season kicks off
with Ronaldo's ongoing recovery from his knee injury meaning he is still a doubt
to start their opener against Barueri on January 21.
Despite that Ronaldo is focused on making his mark as he returns to play in the
Brazilian league for the first time since 1994, when he left Cruzeiro to join
PSV Eindhoven.
He said: "I will go step by step. Firstly, I have to get back to playing again.
"Then, we are playing the Campeonato Paulista and after that the Campeonato
Brasileiro.
"These are steps that we must take, and succeed in, if we want to go even
further and play the Copa Libertadores."
Ronaldo's arrival in Sao Paulo has prompted a media, and fan, frenzy that has
followed the star striker's every move.
Regardless of the close attention he is receiving, Ronaldo seems happy just to
be back in the limelight after his long lay-off.
"I know I will be the most observed player in training and matches," he said. "
"I will not avoid the responsibilities that come with that. I will honour this
shirt until the end."
