Ronaldo has announced he will retire from professional football at the end of next year.
The two-time World Cup winner and former World Player of the Year will call time in his homeland with Corinthians having spent almost his entire playing career in Europe.
The striker started off with Cruzeiro, moving to PSV Eindhoven while still a teenager, scoring 42 goals in 45 matches.
He joined Barcelona in 1996 but stayed just one season before switching to Inter Milan for a then-record fee of £18m, helping the Italian side win the Uefa Cup during his five years with the club.
However, it was at Inter that he suffered the first of a series of debilitating knee injuries that would affect the rest of his career.
His next club was Real Madrid, who won the Primera Division crown during his first season at the Bernabeu.
He returned to Italy in 2007 with AC Milan but made 20 only league appearances, before later joining Corinthians.
He also scored 62 goals for Brazil from 97 appearances.
Commenting on his decision, Ronaldo said:
I’ve already made up my mind – these will be my last two seasons.
I’ll give my best and I’m hoping to have some fun and win many significant titles.
What a great player – totally broke the mould for modern attacking forwards and one of the best I’ve ever seen.
He’s been incredible and but for the serious knee injuries could’ve been even better – that’s a scary thought considering the heights he’s reached in his career.
The word legend is often over-used but here it’s entirely appropriate.
Thanks for the goals Ronny!
i used to hate this guy for his insane dribbling skills, unbelievable shooting accuracy, crazy pace, and horrendous sense of hairstyle.
but what can i say, he IS the “el phenomenon”. even one of the reason why Christiano are so famous is because he uses “Ronaldo” name.
Godspeed, legend.
Have to agree, the word legend is over used, but this is one where the term fits perfectly with the player.
Ronaldo captured our attention with one of his blistering runs thru the defence. And know left his imprint on the world as one of the best to ever grace a football pitch.
Thnkss for the memories ronaldo…..
He is the best player i ever saw play. Him and Zidane. I’m probably gonna cry when he quits lol.
Sad news but wish him the best. He’s been a good player and put on a great show for all of us in his glory days.
a true great, an inspiration to all forwards and a nightmare for all defenders!
one last memory at the 2010 world cup???!!!