Brazilian football legend Ronaldo confirmed today that he is ending his professional football career at the age of 34, in a press conference held at final club Corinthians.
It was an emotional event for the Ballon d'Or winner, in which he acknowledged that the physical demands of the beautiful game had grown too great for him to bear.
"I've lost the struggle against my body," he said.
"The ones who are close to me know the truth: I can't go up stairs without feeling pain.
"I gave my life to football and made incredible sacrifices. I don't regret anything."
Strong, Not Silent
The former Barcelona, Real Madrid and Inter star opened this afternoon by simply stating: "I am not going to say much. I am closing my career as a professional footballer." Ronaldo went on to celebrate a "wonderful, exciting career" full of great memories and friends, before moving on to give the real reason why his later career was plagued by weight problems.
"Four years ago in Milan I found out that I was suffering from a problem that is called hypothyroidism, a complaint which slows your metabolism, and that to control it I would have to take medication which is considered illegal in football. A lot of people should feel bad about their comments on my weight: I just wanted to explain that, now that I have reached the end."
Ronaldo also affirmed that Corinthians' Libertadores exit was a big factor in his decision to leave, and apologized to the fans of the club for his failure in the Copa.
"Those results also made the fans go a little bit crazy, a little out of control. I want to thank the president and publicly apologize for having failed in the Libertadores project. You guys are my brothers, my time here was brilliant and I will continue linked to the club however you want me to be," he said, adding that he was to become an "institutional ambassador" for the Sao Paulo club.
High Praise
Speaking at the conference alongside Ronaldo, Corinthians president Andres Sanchez had kind words for the outgoing striker.
"It was not in our plans [to lose Ronaldo]. But as a Corinthians fan I want to say a big thank you to Ronaldo. He is the biggest idol the club has ever had," the chief told gathered press in Sao Paulo.
Coming towards the end of the chat, Ronaldo identified the biggest moments of his career.
"With the Selecao in 2002 [winning the World Cup], which was the most important title for me, and the second was seeing these crazy, passionate fans right here and having them around me," the striker affirmed.
No Regrets
Talking about a possible future role in the Timao, the player dismissed any thought of him staying on as a director or coach, instead favoring an ambassador role promoting the club worldwide. And in a reflective mood, Ronaldo insisted that he would not change any part of a sparkling career.
"I don't regret anything I have done, I acted with honor in everything I have done and it was all an incredible experience. I don't know how my life will be from now on, I am going to miss that sensation of playing, of leading from the front.
"For now there won't be a farewell match, but in June or July I will try to bring together some players that were with me and have a goodbye party.
"My decision [to keep playing] was always led by my heart, and my love for football always helped me to break through the walls in front of me. It's hard for anyone to lose weight, and for me even more so. Hyperthyroidism slows my metabolism, but I always wanted to play."
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It was an emotional event for the Ballon d'Or winner, in which he acknowledged that the physical demands of the beautiful game had grown too great for him to bear.
"I've lost the struggle against my body," he said.
"The ones who are close to me know the truth: I can't go up stairs without feeling pain.
"I gave my life to football and made incredible sacrifices. I don't regret anything."
Strong, Not Silent
The former Barcelona, Real Madrid and Inter star opened this afternoon by simply stating: "I am not going to say much. I am closing my career as a professional footballer." Ronaldo went on to celebrate a "wonderful, exciting career" full of great memories and friends, before moving on to give the real reason why his later career was plagued by weight problems.
"Four years ago in Milan I found out that I was suffering from a problem that is called hypothyroidism, a complaint which slows your metabolism, and that to control it I would have to take medication which is considered illegal in football. A lot of people should feel bad about their comments on my weight: I just wanted to explain that, now that I have reached the end."
| Ronaldo's Scoring Record |
| Club Appearances: 515 Goals: 352 Brazil Appearances: 97 Goals: 62 FIFA World Cup: All-Time Leading Scorer (15 goals) |
Ronaldo also affirmed that Corinthians' Libertadores exit was a big factor in his decision to leave, and apologized to the fans of the club for his failure in the Copa.
"Those results also made the fans go a little bit crazy, a little out of control. I want to thank the president and publicly apologize for having failed in the Libertadores project. You guys are my brothers, my time here was brilliant and I will continue linked to the club however you want me to be," he said, adding that he was to become an "institutional ambassador" for the Sao Paulo club.
High Praise
Speaking at the conference alongside Ronaldo, Corinthians president Andres Sanchez had kind words for the outgoing striker.
"It was not in our plans [to lose Ronaldo]. But as a Corinthians fan I want to say a big thank you to Ronaldo. He is the biggest idol the club has ever had," the chief told gathered press in Sao Paulo.
Coming towards the end of the chat, Ronaldo identified the biggest moments of his career.
"With the Selecao in 2002 [winning the World Cup], which was the most important title for me, and the second was seeing these crazy, passionate fans right here and having them around me," the striker affirmed.
No Regrets
Talking about a possible future role in the Timao, the player dismissed any thought of him staying on as a director or coach, instead favoring an ambassador role promoting the club worldwide. And in a reflective mood, Ronaldo insisted that he would not change any part of a sparkling career.
"I don't regret anything I have done, I acted with honor in everything I have done and it was all an incredible experience. I don't know how my life will be from now on, I am going to miss that sensation of playing, of leading from the front.
"For now there won't be a farewell match, but in June or July I will try to bring together some players that were with me and have a goodbye party.
"My decision [to keep playing] was always led by my heart, and my love for football always helped me to break through the walls in front of me. It's hard for anyone to lose weight, and for me even more so. Hyperthyroidism slows my metabolism, but I always wanted to play."
Follow Goal.com on to get the latest soccer news directly. Check out Goal.com's page; be part of the best soccer fan community in the world!