Ronaldo has finally made his long awaited debut for Corinthians, coming on as a second-half sub.
Brazilian ace makes long awaited return from knee injury
Brazilian striker Ronaldo has finally made his long awaited debut for Corinthians, coming on as a second-half substitute.
The 32-year-old former three-time FIFA World Player of the Year's 23-minute cameo against Third Division Itumbiara was rather unspectacular with Ronaldo looking out of shape and unfit.
It was Ronaldo's first appearance since he picked up a serious knee injury while playing for AC Milan in February 2008.
After what was his third serious knee injury of his career the former PSV, Barcelona, Inter, Real Madrid and AC Milan ace's future was in doubt as speculation was rife as to whether or not he would call it a day.
The World Cup record goal scorer decided to carry on playing and subsequently signed for boyhood club Corinthians in December 2008.
Debut
Ronaldo declared himself fit enough to play three months after his arrival and featured in the club's 2-0 win in the Copa do Brasil in what was his first appearance for a Brazilian club since he left Cruzeiro in 1994 to join PSV.
"He had a good debut, he moved well and tried a few dribbles," Corinthians coach Mano Menezes said.
While the man himself, who obtained a black eye from a reporter's microphone such was the intense media attention surrounding him on his return, was delighted to just be back playing football.
"I suffered a lot in the past year," Ronaldo admitted.
"I thought a lot about whether I'd ever return or not until I came to Corinthians. But this is just the start and it won't stop here."
