RONALDO: "I WAS FIT TO START"

The Inter Milan hit-man said that medical tests proved his fitness and that his decision to play in the final was based on them and his wish to do so, not from outside pressures.

Ronaldo was speaking to a Congressional inquiry commission who are investigating the Brazilian Football Confederation's multi-million sponsorship deal with Sportswear giants Nike.

"I only played after medical tests proved I was clinically and physically fit to do so. If the tests had showed otherwise, I would not have played," he said.

"I asked what I could do to show I was fit to play. The doctors told me I would have to undergo medical tests."

The Brazilian superstar explained how a crowd of concerned players were gathered around his bed when he woke from an afternoon nap. Medics informed him he had suffered convulsive fits and his colleagues consoled him because he was unable to play in the final.

Ronaldo's recollection of events replicated those of former Brazil coach Mario Zagello, who said he selected him after seeing the results of the test and getting confirmation from the player that he was fit to start.

Despite the hearing being good-humoured, the former Barcelona ace could not hide his irritation at being asked if he could have marked Zinedine Zidane more closely. He was also riled when asked why Brazil had lost the final.

"Winning and losing is part of the game. I don't see the need to create all this mystery and intrigue just because we lost," he said.