Stars

Tearful Ronaldo announces retirement from football

(Agencies/chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2011-02-15 11:33

Injuries the main enemy

Brazilian striker Ronaldo of Corinthians reacts after being fouled during their Paulista Championship soccer match against Palmeiras in Presidente Prudente in this March 8, 2009 file photo. [Photo/Agencies]

"The pain made me anticipate the end of my career," Ronaldo said, with sons Alex and Ronald by his side. "It hurts when I go up the stairs, people who are close to me know this. I've given my life to football. I don't regret anything, but I can't keep going."

Ronaldo blamed the excessive number of matches and practice sessions for his physical decline, saying it's inevitable players will be similarly affected. The striker said he injured a muscle last week, which was the final straw.

"I thought about it at home and realized that it was time," he said. "I had given everything that I had."

Ronaldo also said that he found out four years ago that he had hypothyroidism, a condition that made it difficult for him to lose weight and stay in shape.

AC Milan and Brazil striker Ronaldo walks with crutches as he leaves the Pitie-Salpetriere hospital in Paris in this Feb 22, 2008 file photo. [Photo/Agencies]

With his uncanny sprints toward goal and an incredibly accurate finishing touch, he captivated fans everywhere he played, including Barcelona, Real Madrid and Inter Milan.

All despite having to come back from three serious knee injuries that threatened to end his career earlier than expected.

"My career was beautiful, was wonderful," he said. "I've had many defeats but infinite victories."

The announcement came just days after he was heavily criticized by Corinthians fans for the team's elimination from the Copa Libertadores, Latin America's most important competition and the only major tournament the Brazilian club has yet to win.

Supporters damaged players' cars and threw rocks at the team's bus, but Ronaldo said the violent protests did not play a part in his retirement. He said he only wanted to thank Corinthians fans for their support.

"I've never seen fans with so much passion," he said, his voice cracking. "Their need for results sometimes made them a little aggressive, a bit out of control."

The knees of Brazilian striker Ronaldo is seen while he exercises during his first training session in his new team Corinthians in Sao Paulo in this Dec 26, 2008 file photo. [Photo/Agencies]