Former Brazil striker Ronaldo has revealed a long-standing fitness problem that blighted his career.
Former Brazil international suffered from hypothyroidism
Former Brazil striker Ronaldo has revealed a long-standing fitness problem that blighted his career in the wake of his retirement.
The three-time World Player of the Year confirmed on Monday that he has ended his playing days after admitting that his body could no longer perform to his high standards.
Ronaldo, who was often criticised for his weight during his career at the likes of Barcelona, Inter Milan, Real Madrid and AC Milan, has also confessed that he suffered from a condition called hypothyroidism, which slowed his metabolism.
The now-34-year-old could not treat the illness because the necessary hormones would have been ruled to be illegal in football's drug-testing procedures.
Clarify
"Four years ago at Milan I discovered I was suffering from a complaint called hypothyroidism, which slows down your metabolism and to control it I would have to take some hormones that are not permitted in football because of anti-doping," said Ronaldo.
"I wanted to clarify this on the last day of my career."
Ronaldo began his career with Cruzeiro in 1993 before moving on to PSV Eindhoven following 12 goals in 14 appearances.
He then joined Barcelona in 1996, where he scored a remarkable 34 goals in 37 matches, and then joined Inter Milan, Real Madrid and AC Milan.
Ronaldo, who won two World Cups in his 97 caps for Brazil, ended his career in his homeland with Corinthians.
Asked what he would now do with his time, he added: "I have my future well organised.
"I will work for my company... I have to put a lot of dedication into that."
