Farah believes the ‘Warrior’ has returned
Ronaldo’s new look takes us back to the days when Ronaldo was Brazil’s number 9. According to his agent Fabio Farah, Ronaldo’s new look means that the warrior has returned.
“The warrior has returned back to the World. It was injured but not killed. It’s recognised worldwide. It conjures up the image of overcoming struggles, reborn from its own ashes. It is independent of gender, culture or ethnicity,” said Farah.
Ronaldo was always going to shave his hair but was unable to as he had a contract with a Swiss hair brand. The contract ended last year and Ronaldo planned to shave his hair to represent the start of a new era.
“The only priority Ronaldo within the script of 2010, is the Libertadores and the World Cup,” added Farah.
Although the squad has been named for the last international friendly before the World Cup, Farah believes that there squad can still change.
“Nothing is impossible in the life story of Ronaldo. Three doctors said that it would not be possible to return but he returned to play. The Cup is a natural consequence of the club. The Dunga is a very intelligent person and is conducting all with great excellence. He has said that Ronaldo is to be tested,” concluded Farah.
Ronaldo at Carnival in Sao Paulo
Ronaldo was in good spirit during the Sao Paulo carnival parade on Sunday. He arrived Sambadrome in Anhembi in the north of the state capital, around midnight, all dressed in white suit that he also used in the parade. He went straight to the cabin of the Corinthians, where he was in a private area, accompanied by club president Andres Sanchez, and players Jorge Henrique e Felipe.
About an hour later, he visited another cabin sambadromo in the company of fellow player Roberto Carlos, where he stayed for just five minutes.
Surrounded security most of the time, Ronaldo did speak to a few journalist and this is what he said about his experience at Carnival.
“It was unanimous, everybody all together. When I play, have the fans of Corinthians. Here, I felt honored by the people, who received me, honored me with smiles and applause. It was indescribable. Never expect anything from anyone. I like to be surprised. And the people of Sao Paulo has done this to me constantly.”
Ronaldo also spoke about the World Cup.
“I keep dreaming of the World Cup,” said Ronaldo.
“I have to show it on the pitch, it is no good speaking or sending messages (to Dunga),” explained Ronaldo.
“I have to show that I’m ready. I am preparing myself for even trying to go to the World Cup. let’s see what happens,” concluded Ronaldo.
Will Ronaldo make the World Cup in South Africa?
When Ronaldo ruptured his knee ligament at AC Milan, I received alot of emails asking if he would return to football or if he would retire. My answer was short and simple, Ronaldo is the ‘Phenonmenon.’
Two years later and Ronaldo is playing for the Corinthians, scored 23 goals last season and recently scored his first goal of the season. Now who would have thought this two years ago? Most Ronaldo fans would not like to admit that they had a hint of doubt but nothing is impossible with Ronaldo.
So here we are again, asking questions about Ronaldo. Will he be going to South Africa with Brazil?
Before we answer the question, lets take a quick look at the past for those that don’t know anything about the Phenomenon. Ronaldo suffered a mysterious fit hours before the 98 World Cup Final against France. He manages to play but his performance is under par and Brazil lose 3-0 to France. End of 1999, Ronaldo suffered a recurring knee injury and test revealed that surgery was required. Ronaldo returned after recovering from the surgery, only to discover that he would injure his knee again 6 minutes after being brought on as a substitute. Skeptics say that Ronaldo’s career is over but Ronaldo vows that when he returns he will be on top again. After two knee surgeries and months of rehabilitation, Ronaldo returns to the World Cup scene and scores two goals in the 2002 final against Germany. He wins the golden boot and is again crowned ‘Fifa Player of the Year’ for the third time.
Now that we have got that over with, we know that Ronaldo is more than capable of overcoming the impossible. However, going to the 2010 World Cup is not solely Ronaldo’s decision. This is what worries all Ronaldo fans including myself. Although Ronaldo could persuade the outcome by losing a few kilos, will it be too late?
Dunga clearly does not go by form. This is evident, as Robinho and Felipe Melo have been included in the squad to face Ireland in the last friendly before the World Cup. Robinho was not even in the first team at Manchester City and Felipe Melo has been the biggest dissapointment in Serie A. On the other hand, Ronaldinho has been on fire, recently scoring a hat-trick and when his not scoring his assisting his team-mates. Now why isn’t Ronaldinho in the squad?
Then it occured to me that Dunga has already made up his mind. He was always going to leave Ronaldo and Ronaldinho out, as he believes they were the reason for Brazil’s failure in the last World Cup. Ronaldo was recently quoted saying,
“I appreciate the support from all those who want to see me in the tournament but lets be quiet, as any kind of pressure on Dunga may hinder the selection. I have to do my part, do my best so I deserve to be there. If I’m not, then it is because I do not deserve it. I will cheer for Brazil anyway.”
Maybe Ronaldo knows something that we don’t but I can assure you that not every player in the Selecao deserves to be there.
Ronaldo may look overweight and may be injury prone but he can still win games and make a difference. When a game is on the line and Dunga looks over at his bench, he will surely regret not including Ronaldo when that time comes!
