Ronaldo sets retirement date

[CUJO]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=745706

Former Real Madrid, Barcelona and Inter Milan striker Ronaldo has announced he will retire from football at the end of next year.

The 33-year-old has signed a new two-year deal at Corinthians which expires on December 31, 2011, after which he will hang up his boots at the end of an illustrious career.

He told a press conference on Monday: "I have extended my contract for another two years and that will be the last of my career. I want to give my all, have fun and finish with some major achievements."

Ronaldo, a three-time FIFA World Player of the Year, has suffered from majormknee problems in his career while his return to Brazilian football with Corinthians has been blighted by a thigh injury.

Despite that he has great affection for the Sao Paulo outfit and is set to become a club ambassador when he retires.

"The crowd that follow us is very passionate,'' he added. "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 said: "Ronaldo will become a representative of Corinthians abroad. We will combine his name and the importance it has with the strength of the club.''

Ronaldo has won 97 caps for Brazil but he has not ruled out reaching three figures at this summer's World Cup, even though he has not yet received a call-up under former team-mate Dunga.

"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."

Sad to see one of the best ever to retire.

[Grizzly]

(-: (-: It is even sadder to read the article and then realize your title referred to the Brazilian Ronaldo not the Portugese one!