Ronaldo - Coming to a television screen near you... sort of

This weekend will see the unlikely return of Brazilian legend Ronaldo, exploding onto television screens worldwide. Many excited football fans may well be conjuring up images of the skilful forward majestically powering his way through opposing defences, like a runaway steam train with a ballet dancer at the controls.

That reflection will quickly fade when replaced by the sight of a heavy breathing hero struggling to pass the level four speed mark on an over worked treadmill. That is of course if you have access to Brazilian TV Chanel ‘Globo.’

Yes, the World Cup’s all time highest goal scorer has announced that he is appearing on ‘Fantastico,’ a popular reality TV show that encourages contestants to publicly shed the pounds.

He told Globo, "I have problems with the weighing scales. It's a real trauma. I have already tackled many challenges and this will not be easy."

His motivation for doing so comes in the form of a charity match for old friend, and team mate, Zinedine Zidane, “I have a game against Zidane's friends in Porto Alegre in December and I want to be ready for it.”

The 36 year old has enjoyed a decorated playing career, donning the shirts of Barcelona, Inter Milan, Real Madrid and AC Milan. He is one of only three players to have won the Fifa World Football of the Year three times, and amassed 62 goals in 98 games for his country. His football peak was quickly followed by decline, with transsexual prostitute

scandals and hyperthyroidism forcing a premature retirement. With his weight ballooning he made a brief comeback with Corinthians in 2009, before officially announcing his retirement from the game in February 2011, admitting, "It's very hard to leave something that made me so happy. Mentally I wanted to continue but I have to acknowledge that I lost to my body,"

He has managed to remain in the public eye ever since, taking on a role with the local organising committee for the 2014 World Cup.

However, his continued increase in size overshadows any serious work undertaken, having seen him appear in several television commercials that often self ridicule his weight.

It’s not how pure football fans would have wanted it but it’s good to have him back. 

image: © groundzero

Simon Bunn

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I possess a swashbuckling attitude towards football writing, aiming to pillage the most exciting and thought provoking topics in the business. Blessed with savvy up to date football knowledge, a dangerous obsession for Aston Villa FC, and a mind of alternative thinking, I welcome all readers aboard.