Brazilian striker Ronaldo has announced that he will retire from football at the end of next year.
Brazilian to retire at the end of 2011
Brazilian striker Ronaldo has announced that he will retire from football at the end of next year.
The former Real Madrid, Barcelona and Inter Milan player, 33, has signed a new two-year deal with Corinthians which expires on 31st December, 2011.
Ronaldo will then hang up his boots when the contract ends and he hopes to go out on a high.
"I have extended my contract for another two years and that will be the last of my career," he told reporters.
"I want to give my all, have fun and finish with some major achievements."
Passionate
Ronaldo has enjoyed an illustrious career, winning the World Player of the Year award three times and claiming several major trophies at club and international level.
He has been dogged by injuries in recent years but has great affection for Corinthians and plans to become a club ambassador when he retires.
"The crowd that follow us is very passionate," he stated.
"I am increasingly fond of this club. It has been a wonderful chapter of my life here in Sao Paulo."
The player's agent Fabiano Farah added: "Ronaldo will become a representative of Corinthians abroad.
"We will combine his name and the importance it has with the strength of the club."
World Cup
Ronaldo has not played for Brazil under Dunga but still hopes to go to the World Cup in South Africa this summer.
"About the World Cup, we'll see," he said. "I still have a chance of going.
"But for 2014 (when Brazil host the tournament), it is impossible. It is a long way off and time is moving on."
