Brazilian Ronaldo looks to get in shape for possible comeback

Ronaldo, right, in action against South Korea during a 2002 friendly. In the summer of that year, the Brazilian striker won the World Cup and finished top goal-scorer Kim Jae-Hwan / AFP

Former Brazil forward Ronaldo has said he will try to get back into shape with an eye on coming out of retirement to play for North American second division club Fort Lauderdale Strikers.

The 38-year-old three-times FIFA world player of the year, who last played professionally with Corinthians in 2011, recently became a minority owner in the North American Soccer League’s Strikers.

During a news conference attended by the mayor of Fort Lauderdale and NASL leadership, Ronaldo was asked whether he was planning a comeback.

“That is not easy because I love to play, I love soccer, that was all my life my big love. When I retired, I stopped playing because of my body, so much pain and injuries,” said the former Inter Milan and Real Madrid forward.

“To play a soccer game you have to be in very good shape. I will try for myself, it’s another challenge, I am sure it will help the league, help the team.

“I will train a lot, and if the (coach) needs me, maybe,” he said, adding with a smile that he would like to play if the Strikers were to reach a final.

Former Spain and Real forward Raul recently joined the New York Cosmos, who also play in the NASL, at the age of 37.

Ronaldo, who also played for PSV Eindhoven, Barcelona and AC Milan in Europe, won the World Cup with Brazil in 2002 scoring both goals in the 2-0 win over Germany in the final.

The Strikers were part of the original NASL in the 1970’s when George Best, Gordon Banks and Gerd Mueller played for the club. The club was recreated in 2011 and plays at the old team’s Lockhart Stadium but rarely in front of more than 3,000 fans.

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