Recently returned soccer superstar Ronaldo announced on Friday his plan for the future.
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| Brazilian striker Ronaldo of Corinthians controls the ball during their Paulista Championship soccer match against Palmeiras in Presidente Prudente March 8, 2009. (Xinhua/Reuters, File Photo) |
He admitted that the 2009 season with Corinthians may be his last year as a professional. However, he mentioned that his participation in the 2010 World Cup would be an ideal place to say goodbye.
"A chance to play in the World Cup would prolong my professional career. It would be great to be able to close my career during the Cup, but I don't want to put any pressure on anyone to make any decisions," said the leader in goals scored in the World Cup.
The player also took the opportunity to scrutinize the president of the Brazilian Confederation of Soccer (CBF), Ricardo Teixeira. Ronaldo criticized Teixeira, claiming that he has a "dual personality."
"I have no interest in being friends with anyone who has a dual personality. It is very easy to be there in the time of victory, holding up a trophy and being a champion with the players. But, when the players lose, it is also easy for him to point the finger and crucify that person," added Ronaldo.
Ronaldo's dissatisfaction with Teixeira dates back to the 2006 World Cup. The president of the CBF personally blamed the players for the poor quality of play that led to their exit in the quarterfinals of the World Cup in Germany in 2006.
The athlete admitted that he is not fully ready to play for the Brazilian national soccer team quite yet. He acknowledges that he still has some weight to shed and quickness to gain.
In his 14 games with Corinthians, Ronaldo has scored 10 goals and has helped his team to win the
Sao Paulo state championship. They now have their eyes on the Brazilian Cup. They travel to play Fluminense in the return leg of the quarterfinals on May 17.
(Xinhua News Agency May 16, 2009)
