Wait and see time for Ronaldo
(China Daily)
Updated: 2005-07-01 09:31

Brazilian striker Ronaldo said on Wednesday that his place in the world champions' team was no longer guaranteed, but stood by his decision to skip the Confederations Cup.

Ronaldo missed the two-week tournament in Germany after saying he needed a rest and his replacement Adriano took full advantage by finishing as topscorer with five goals.

Adriano's tally included two in Wednesday's final as Brazil beat Argentina 4-1.

"(Coach Carlos Alberto) Parreira said that my place is guaranteed, but I don't think it works that way," Ronaldo told reporters.

"I know that if I don't score goals, he won't pick me."

Ronaldo insisted on sitting out the Confederations Cup despite warnings from Parreira that he would not accept fatigue as an excuse.

Parreira eventually accepted Ronaldo's arguments, but also dropped him from two World Cup qualifiers in early June in which Ronaldo had wanted to play.

"I did what I thought was right, which was to have a holiday," said Ronaldo.

"I wanted to give priority to preparing for the World Cup next year," he said.

"I want to prepare very well so I get to the end of the season without any physical problems. I want it to be the year of my life."

Feeling just A1

Ronaldo, Brazil's 2002 World Cup final goalscoring hero, announced on Wednesday he had invested in a motor racing team to fly under the Brazilian flag for the inaugural A1 series later this year.

Ronaldo, who sidestepped the Confederations Cup which Brazil won beating arch-rivals Argentina 4-1 in the final also on Wednesday because he said he was upset over the break-up of his engagement, was joined as a fellow investor by Brazil's two-time Formula One champion Emerson Fittipaldi.

The A1 series will pit country against country in what is being termed as a 'world cup of motorsport', which begins in September and runs until March next year, and will feature all the teams using similar cars, engines and tyres.

Ronaldo expressed his hope that not only would he make money out of the venture but Brazil would also triumph.

"I love car racing," said Ronaldo.

"Our country has a great tradition in the sport and we want to maintain that," he said.

Aside from Fittipaldi, who was named technical director, other great Brazilian Formula One aces include the late triple champion Ayrton Senna and fellow three-time world titleholder Nelson Piquet.

Aside from Brazil there are teams pledged from Australia, China, South Africa and Lebanon.

But back to football, Ronaldo may face a race of his own to regain his place in Brazil's first team after sparkling displays by Inter Milan's Adriano and youngster Robinho during the Confederations Cup.

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