Brazil Soccer: World Cup Debate: Do Brazil Really Need Ronaldo?

R9’s return to goalscoring form has lead to fresh calls for him to be reinstated to the Selecao. But Goal.com’s KS Leong asks, do Brazil need him to come back?

As Ronaldo announced that he is comtemplating the idea of an early retirement next year, the question running through everyone’s mind is whether will he be granted one last recall to the Selecao, or one final appearance in the World Cup, before he hangs up his boots?

An overwhelming majority of Goal.com readers have backed O Fenomeno to fight his way back into the ultra-competitive Brazilian national team. But the country’s former World Cup winning captain, Carlos Alberto Torres, doesn’t believe that he should feature in Dunga’s long-term plans. And he has good reason for thinking that.

Brazil simply do not require Ronaldo’s services in this phase of their history. They have more than enough talented forwards at their disposal: Luis Fabiano, Adriano, Robinho and Alexandre Pato. That they are not scoring regularly and consistently has more to do with the coach and his tactics, than it does with the players' natural abilities.

Risky Business

It’s not that Ronaldo is no longer good enough to don the verde-amarela, or that he’s too old. Make no mistake, he is not past it by any means. He has already scored four goals in five games for Corinthians and did so almost immediately after returning from a year long injury. It’s the kind of conversion rate reminiscent of his astonishing ratio back in the 90’s: 42 goals in 45 games for PSV and 34 goals in 37 games for Barcelona. If he can continue in this form, he certainly warrants a return to the Canarinho.

But taking the 32-year-old to the 2010 World Cup, for example, is a risk. While he may be guaranteed to provide goals, there will always be a lingering question mark around his fragile condition, especially his knees. Sometimes at 50%, he can perform better than most strikers at 100%. But there are also times when his 50% looks more like most other players at 10%. In other words, his unpredictable fitness makes him… well, too unpredictable.

In all fairness, Ronaldo has always demonstrated his remarkable resilience and tenacity. Not only has he bounced back from several career-threatening injuries, but also from a twilight-zone World Cup final, some highly publicised broken relationships, yo-yo weight problems and countless off-field scandals.

The one thing he hasn’t been able to shed, though, is his over-indulgent lifestyle and his excessive partying.

It is something that the Brazilian team can do without at the moment, especially in light of more recent stories about Adriano and Robinho’s 12-hour merrymaking escapade and especially with South Africa 2010 fast approaching.

The no-nonsense disciplinarian Dunga, the Brazilian equivalent of Fabio Capello, was brought in to keep a tight leash on his players, clean up the squad and disband any group of egotistical celebrities and superstars. It was something that played a big part in the nation’s downfall in the 2006 World Cup in Germany when, for the first time since Italia ’90, they failed to get past the quarter-final stage as their ‘Magic Quartet’ flopped miserably.

Ronaldo has already earned and cemented his legendary status in the history books of world football, although according to the notorious IFFHS polls, he ranks no higher than 9th in the list of the best Brazilian players in the 20th century.

Yet, he has already been through and achieved more on the international stage than most players can even dream of. He’s gone all the way to the final of a World Cup three times in succession, won two of them, although he didn’t play at all at USA ’94 as a 17-year-old; he’s overtaken the great Gerd Muller as the World Cup’s all-time leading scorer with 15 goals; he won the tournament’s Golden Shoe in 2002 and the Golden Ball in 1998 and he’s one of only two players to have ever won the FIFA World Player of the Year three times.

Let The Kids In

With 62 international goals to his name, perhaps the only thing left for Ronaldo to do is chase down Pele’s 77-goal mark to become the country’s all-time top scorer. While almost every football fanatic would love to see that happen, the truth is that it’s time for him to move over and let the next generation of young, aspiring Fenomenos to begin their own fairytale journey to superstardom. And there are plenty of them.

The one player who could suffer most if Ronaldo were to return to A Selecao is Pato, who has just started to inch his way into Dunga’s plans. The Milan striker has gone from being this gawky looking, pimple-faced teenager to becoming a world class footballing teenager in the space of just a few years. And in a few years more, he will join the very top echelon of the megastars of today. But his international progress could be hampered if in the next year or two, if he falls down the pecking order to make room for R9.

There’s also Douglas Costa who, although not a forward, is an outrageously talented attacking midfielder in the Ronaldinho mould. He’s already proven himself in Brazil’s Sub-20 squad in the recent South American Youth Championships but to move up to the next step, he needs the exposure in the senior squad and at the moment there is just no way of squeezing him in there, much less so if another attacking spot is reserved for Ronaldo.

But one particular young sensation everyone wants to see in the Esquadrao de Ouro is Keirrison. Wonderfully nicknamed K9, he is the one Brazilian who is in red-hot form at present: 16 goals in 14 games for Palmeiras. And at 20 years of age, he is primed and ready to step onto the big stage, although he may be too skinny for Dunga’s liking. But a potential move to one of Europe’s superpowers in the near future will force him to beef up and fast-track his international debut.

And the latest kid to emerge is, of course, Neymar, anointed by none other than Pele himself as the next big thing to come out of Brazil. And Santos. He may only have just turned 17 years old a month-and-a-half ago, but, lest we forget, that’s how old both Pele and Ronaldo were when they had their very first World Cup experience.

No-one would begrudge the opportunity the see Ronaldo in full fitness and in full flight as he rips apart opposing defences like he did in the good old days. And just like any professional footballer, he still harbours the burning desire to pull on his country’s colours and sing the national anthem before the start of every game.

Dunga has said he is more than willing to take the striker back, should an opportunity present itself. But the truth is that Brazil and Dunga are not in any particular dire need of his services. And Ronaldo himself isn’t exactly dying for more international recognition or success, or more unnecessary exertion on his knees. You just feel that one more injury and the curtains will really have to come down.

It would be sad sight indeed to see him forced to end his playing career with tears soaking his famous yellow jersey, clutching his knee as he is carried off the field in a stretcher, watched by millions.

http://www.goal.com/en/news/1717/editorial/2009/03/28/1179430/world-cup-debate-do-brazil-really-need-ronaldo

Corinthians Striker Ronaldo Admits Return Is Getting Closer

The hitman is on his way back, but he is treading carefully in order to refrain from rushing things...

Corinthians striker Ronaldo admits his return to action is drawing closer as he enjoys the Carnival in Rio De Janeiro.

The Brazilian hitman has been out since his horrific injury against Livorno last February when playing for Milan. After surgery and a long fight against the odds, 'Il Fenomeno' is on the verge of returning to a football pitch.

Fans cannot wait for the bald-headed star to come back and they will be cheering following his latest comments while he was enjoying the Rio festivities.

"I do not know the exact date of my return, but I believe it is very near," Ronaldo told Globoesporte.com.

"I am feeling really well and all the training has been going good. I am very happy with the progress."

Ronaldo signed for Corinthians in December after he was released last summer from the Rossoneri.

A number of reports have suggested that the striker will make his debut against Palmeiras next month.

So far, Corinthians coach Mano Menezes has failed to bow to pressure regarding Ronaldo's return, leading to speculation that the player is still some way off full fitness.

http://goal.com/en/news/60/south-america/2009/02/23/1123664/corinthians-striker-ronaldo-admits-return-is-getting-closer

Ronaldo in Brazil return hint

Striker Ronaldo has hinted that he might attempt to reach full fitness playing for Flamengo in Brazil before returning to AC Milan.

The 31-year-old samba star has been ruled out of action since suffering a potentially career-threatening knee injury in February. And, despite facing another seven months on the sidelines, Ronaldo is already looking at how he can resume his playing career once the problem has healed.

The three-times World Player of the Year's contract at Milan in Italy will expire at the end of the season, but he hopes to be handed an extension despite his injury absence. However, Ronaldo has revealed that he could prove his fitness with a few months playing back in his homeland for Rio de Janeiro outfit Flamengo, who he supported as a boy and intimated that he would like to finish his career there in the past.

"I have a beautiful relationship with my team (Milan), the doors will always be open for me there, but I have to be up to it," Ronaldo told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

"The idea is to play in Brazil for a few months, maybe at Flamengo, and if everything goes well, reappear in red and black (of Milan)."

http://www.clubcall.com/index.jsp?storyID=336560

Ronaldo disdains Pele's prediction that he's done playing soccer

Ronaldo is paying very little attention to Pele's prediction that he will not fully recover from his latest knee injury.

Pele on Friday said it would be "difficult" for Ronaldo to recover and return to his level of play.

"I'm actually glad he said that," Ronaldo told Radio Globo Sunday night. "We all know Pele is known for making wrong predictions about everything. It usually happens the opposite of what he says."

Ronaldo said he was not upset.

"I know he is an idol and is asked about all subjects," Ronaldo said. "Sometimes that puts him in difficult situations."

On Sunday, friend and former Real Madrid teammate Zinedine Zidane said he is confident Ronaldo will overcome the knee injury.

"Ronaldo already proved in 2002 that he can overcome very difficult situations," the retired French playmaker said.

The 31-year-old Ronaldo, a three-time FIFA player of the year, ruptured a tendon in his left knee while playing for AC Milan last month.

"I need to be patient," Ronaldo said. "The first week was tough but I'm confident and ready to face the challenge. I hope to be able to return, and maybe even play for the national team again."

http://www.iht.com/bin/printfriendly.php?id=11190307

Ronaldo responds to Pele's doubts about his return to soccer

Pele, arguably one of the greatest athletes to have ever played soccer, doubts that Ronaldo will be able to return to play after recuperating from another surgery on his left knee.

On Monday, Ronaldo responded to Pele's doubts and called it ironic.

Last Friday, in an event in Sao Paulo, Pele showed his lack of confidence in the ability of Ronaldo to return to the sport.

Ronaldo suffered a torn patellar tendon in his left knee and underwent corrective surgery for the third time. The other surgeries were due to similar injuries, but on his right knee.

Pele said "even if he recuperates, I don't think he will be the same as before. Now, he is older and it will be even harder to get rid of those extra pounds."

"I think that it is great that he said I won't be able to return to the sport. We all know that when Pele predicts something, it usually goes the other way," said Ronaldo, also known as "the phenomenon".

Although Ronaldo was a little disappointed with Pele's comment, he did not take it personal.

"I am not offended. I know that Pele, being the star that he is,is obligated to talk about a lot of things that he may not know about. Sometimes, he even gets himself in trouble," added Ronaldo.

Ronaldo is currently going through with his physical therapy in Italy. He will receive an MRI towards the end of the month, and, if he is liberated, he will travel to Rio de Janeiro to continue his recuperation.

According to the team doctors of Milan, the athlete's time of recovery will take up to nine months.

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-03/18/content_7810786.htm

Ronaldo facing long rehab after surgery

Three-time player of the year probably will be unable to train full-time for at least nine months and questions whether he'll ever play again.

Ronaldo, Brazil's two-time World Cup winner and three-time FIFA world player of the year, said Friday that he was resigned to a lengthy rehabilitation after undergoing surgery on his left knee. He expressed some doubt whether he would ever play again.

Speaking in Paris, where his knee was operated on last week, the AC Milan forward said he did not know what his long-term future would be.

"My heart tells me to play again but my body is sending me signs of fatigue and suffering," the 31-year-old said. "It's been a real knockout blow, both physically and mentally."

Ronaldo, who has played only sporadically since the Germany '06 World Cup, in which he became the tournament's all-time leading goal scorer, said his focus for now had to be on rehabilitation, not on playing.

"If I'm OK at the end of that, then of course I'll play again," he said. "If there's another ending, it will be a difficult and sad decision. I know exactly the bridges I have to cross. I have experience of recuperating from injury."

The surgeon who operated on Ronaldo said it would be at least nine months before the forward could begin full-time training.

Ronaldo's contract with AC Milan ends in June and it is unlikely that the reigning world and European champion will offer him a new pact.

What is possible is that Ronaldo will consider an offer already being made by the Brazilian club Flamengo, which tried to sign him in January before the player's latest injury setback. "The dream of having Ronaldo with us is still alive," Kleber Leite, Flamengo's vice president, said earlier this month.

Ronaldo, who won the World Cup with Brazil in 1994 and 2002, has indicated a desire to finish his career in his native land. "My dream is to finish my career with Flamengo," he said today.

With Ronaldo sidelined indefinitely, AC Milan already is causing rumblings in the transfer market, with Adriano Galliani, the team's vice president, identifying Chelsea's Didier Drogba and Andriy Shevchenko, Arsenal's Emmanuel Adebayor and Olympique Lyon's Karim Benzema as possible targets.

http://www.latimes.com/sports/soccer/la-spw-soccer23feb23,1,7190738.story?ctrack=1&cset=true

Soccer-Ronaldo set to leave hospital on Friday

AC Milan striker Ronaldo is due to leave hospital on Friday after the three-times World Player of the Year had knee surgery last week in Paris.

The Brazilian will attend a press conference at noon (1100 GMT) on Friday, the French hospital where he is recovering said in a statement.

Ronaldo, 31, had an operation on a ruptured left knee tendon after being injured playing for Milan in a 1-1 Serie A draw against Livorno.

He will not be able to do any sport for eight to nine months, doctors said. He should join a rehabilitation centre after leaving hospital.

Milan have yet to commit to a new contract for the player, who was making only his sixth appearance in an injury-plagued season.

Ronaldo's deal runs out in June and, with question marks hanging over his career, the European champions are not guaranteeing him a fresh contract despite saying they hope he plays for them again.

http://uk.reuters.com/article/worldFootballNews/idUKL2129165520080221

Soccer-Roundup-Ronaldo recovering well, says doctor

Soccer news in brief from around the world:

AC Milan striker Ronaldo is recovering well after knee surgery, according to one of his doctors at a Paris hospital.

"He is recovering well and there is no sign of inflamation," Yves Catonne told French sports daily L'Equipe on Wednesday.

The Brazilian had an operation on a ruptured left knee tendon last week.

"I don't think he wants to quit. I felt he was decided to work and motivated to go on. Even though his return will be a real challenge, because he won't be able to play for eight or nine months."

http://uk.reuters.com/article/footballNews/idUKSP3504620080220?sp=true

Ronaldo Suffers Soccer Career-Threatening Knee Injury (Update1)

AC Milan striker Ronaldo, the top scorer in soccer World Cup history, suffered a knee injury last night that may put his career in jeopardy.

The 31-year-old Brazilian left the field in tears on a stretcher after rupturing his left kneecap ligament during a 1-1 draw against Livorno at the San Siro Stadium in Milan, his club said on its Web site.

Adriano Galliani, Milan's managing director, said doctors will know whether surgery is needed in the next few days. The Gazetta dello Sport said Ronaldo, who holds the World Cup record with 15 career goals, may be out nine months to a year, possibly ending his career.

``We're all very sad and worried about what happened to Ronaldo,'' Milan manager Carlo Ancelotti was quoted saying by the Web site. ``I don't want to say his career is over because only time can put the word end to his career.''

A three-time world soccer player of the year, Ronaldo joined Milan in January 2007 for 7.5 million euros ($10.9 million) from Real Madrid. He previously missed 17 months with a knee injury while playing for Inter Milan.

``When you break something in your knee it's very serious,'' said Milan goalkeeper Zeljko Kalac. ``He doesn't deserve this.''

Ronaldo had only been on the field for a short time when he went down in the penalty area as he attempted to jump for a ball. He was taken to the Galeazzi hospital in Milan, the team said.

``When Ronie cried, I hugged him, the tears fell on me too, but I told him we would stay close to him,'' Galliani told the Web site. ``Milan have already shown in the past they don't abandon players who suffer injuries, and the same will go for Ronaldo.''

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601086&sid=agq84_FVK5MY&refer=latin_america

Brazil's president sends get-well note to Ronaldo, urges him to return after injury

Injured soccer star Ronaldo was sent a get-well message Friday from Brazil President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

The AC Milan striker ruptured a tendon in his left knee during a 1-1 draw with Livorno in the Serie A on Wednesday. Ronaldo underwent surgery on Thursday and is expected to be out for up to nine months.

Silva, an ardent soccer fan, urged Ronaldo to persevere.

"Like me, millions of Brazilians watched with broken hearts your pain, your sadness and your suffering," Silva said in an official note. "And I join those millions of Brazilians to say to you: boy, keep going, resist, don't lose heart."

Ronaldo, 31, was named FIFA Player of the Year in 1996, '97 and 2002. He was a member of Brazil's World Cup winning team in 1994 and 2002.

Ronaldo was out for nearly two years with a similar injury to his right leg in 1999.

"Like our Brazilian people, I believe that you will return to the field and again be an example of courage and perseverance," Silva said. "And I'm sure, as a lover of soccer, that you will give all Italians and Brazilians the joy of seeing you make extraordinary plays and score the goals that brought us and will bring us so much happiness."

http://canadianpress.google.com/article/ALeqM5iS_3NImc0DjjLn7xL7HDt9rTxJ3Q

Kaká: Ronaldo Is Second Only To Pelé In Brazil

AC Milan midfielder Kaká believes that his club team-mate Ronaldo is second only to Pelé in the list of great Brazilian footballers.

Speaking to FIFA.com, Kaká did not shy away from expressing his appreciation for his team-mate and friend.

"Ronaldo is number one. In the history of the Brazilian soccer, he is only behind Pelé," he stated.

The midfielder was speaking after missing out on Brazil's narrow 1-0 victory over the Republic of Ireland on Wednesday and reiterated his desire to be part of the U-23 team that will go to the Olympics in Beijing later this year.

"I want to go the Olympics because Brazil has won almost everything, but have still not been able to win Olympic Gold in football. I never got the chance to play in them when I was the right age and therefore I hope to be included as one of the three players over twenty-three in the summer."

Kaká was asked about the tough regime that new England coach Fabio Capello seems keen to enforce, but did not feel that such an approach is always effective.

"In the World Cup in 2002, after each game we had one day of rest and before the departures we could tan a little in the sun. We could also use mobile phones and we were successful. We were clearly always very professional.

"In 2006, a different regime was adopted and we were only allowed out at certain times with more restrictions and the results were not positive."

Finally, Kaká was asked what being world club champions meant to AC Milan and the players.

"We are the world-wide champion of clubs and until December nobody can take that away from us.

"It would be wonderful to win another Champions League title so we can defend the trophy," he concluded.

http://www.goal.com/en-india/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=578731