Ronaldo attending Brazil vs Scotland match at the Emirates
It was announced today that Ronaldo will be the Guest of Honour at the upcoming international friendly between Brazil v Scotland, hosted at Emirates Stadium on Sunday 27th March.
The world-famous striker, who led Brazil to World Cup glory in 1994 and 2002, recently called time on his illustrious 18 year career which saw him play football in several high profile European clubs including Barcelona, Inter Milan, Real Madrid and AC Milan. Incredibly Ronaldo scored 352 goals in 515 club appearances and an impressive 62 goals in 97 games for his national team which included an unprecedented and unrepeated 15 goals in World Cup finals.
Organisers are expecting a near sell-out crowd to see the game and watch Ronaldo make his last European appearance in a Brazil shirt as he is presented to both sets of fans before the game. He will also be presented as Chief Guest to both teams, including Brazil whose line up includes rising Chelsea star David Luiz and Inter Milan stars Julio Cesar and Maicon.
Ronaldo remarked: “One of my favourite footballing memories is of the opening game of the 1998 World Cup in Paris against Scotland and the fantastic Scottish fans so I am very excited to be experiencing a Scotland Brazil match once again.”
Craig Levein, Scotland manager expressed his excitement at the prospect of Ronaldo’s imminent visit: “Undeniably Ronaldo is one of the players who defined a generation; his performances on the international stage have changed the face of football and his attendance at this game adds immeasurably to the prestige of what is already shaping up to be a historic game.”
The World of Football hails O Fenomeno
FIFA.com has put together some statements made by top atheletes about Ronaldo. Ronaldo announced his retirement a couple of weeks ago. It still makes me sad when I think that Ronaldo has left football but I’m glad he’s finally getting some appreciation.
“After yet another groin injury, I gave it a lot of thought and decided I’d reached a point where I had nothing more to give and that the sacrifices were too great, something I never thought would happen. Once I’d made the decision it felt as if I was in Intensive Care with a terminal condition, and that this announcement would be like passing away. Giving up something that’s made me so happy is very tough, I’ve always loved the game and would give anything to carry on. But you can’t win them all and I’ve been beaten by my own body.” stated Ronaldo in a press conference to announce his retirement from the game that made and breaked him.
“He’s the best striker I’ve ever seen.”
Lionel Messi
“Ronaldo is the man and I don’t care what y’all say. [He’s the] best striker ever, hands down, and anyone who doesn’t agree has problems.”
Jozy Altidore
“He went to Holland, Spain and Italy and enhanced the reputation of Brazilian football in all three countries. He came back home and breathed new life into the Brazilian championship and Corinthians. Brazilian people should be grateful for what he’s done for our football.”
Pele
“He was a one-off in terms of ability and had the skill to turn a half-chance into an incredible goalscoring opportunity. He was phenomenal when one-on-one with the goalkeeper. Those who saw him play know what I’m talking about. It’s not easy to put it into words, but I’m not exaggerating by any means.”
Zinedine Zidane
“I’d like to have played alongside him, because I’d have been able to put him through on goal all the time. He’s always in the right place to receive the ball and he thinks really quickly. It wasn’t by chance that he was the world’s best player on several occasions. He also did his bit for A Seleção, being a part of two World Cup wins and one second place. He even went on to become the highest scorer in World Cup history. That was a phenomenal feat, in keeping with his nickname.”
Zico
“I didn’t need any time to gel when playing alongside Ronaldo. He knew how I played and I knew where he liked to receive the ball. It was very easy to play with him because he was great at finding the right positions both inside and outside the box. As soon as I picked up the ball, he already knew what I was going to do with it.”
Rivaldo
“He was always an example for young people to look up to, for the way he overcame adversity. I was fortunate enough to play alongside him, my idol, for many years and we had so many great times together. He was always an idol of mine and will always be a friend.”
Ronaldinho
“Just as I’d believed he’d be one of the best players in our Seleção back then, I believe that he’s made the right decision now. I understood that if I backed him he’d be an important player for us (in Korea/Japan). I wish him the very best because he remains one of my best and closest friends, and he was a vital player in a triumph that had a huge impact on him and us.”
Luiz Felipe Scolari
“I’m a huge fan of Ronaldo, I’ve followed his career since his time at Barcelona. I once asked my uncle Miguel Angel [Nadal] if I could get a photo with him. So I even got to go in the dressing room and have a photo taken with one of my biggest idols. There’s no doubt that overcoming adversity, making it back to the very top of the game and winning trophies deserves huge credit.”
Rafael Nadal, the tennis superstar whose uncle was a team-mate of Ronaldo’s at Barça
“One of the most talented footballers ever, Ronaldo won two World Cups with A Seleção and remains the leading scorer at World Cup finals. He was already a genuine legend, even while still playing, and exemplified how to overcome adversity. All of us will be eternally grateful for the joy he gave us and what he did to boost Brazil’s prestige.”
Dilma Rousseff, Brazilian President
Ronaldo wants to play for Brazil before he bids farewell forever
Our dreams may come true as Ronaldo may play one last game with the Brazilian squad before he bids farewell. Ronaldo wants to part from the game he loves in his countries yellow jersey. He is trying to get the CBF to agree to letting him and some of his old Brazilian team mates feature in the next friendly.
“I’ll look for the president Ricardo Teixeira to be part of a game with the Brazil squad,” Ronaldo said in an exclusive interview with TV Globo.
The next friendly match in Brazil is scheduled for June 4. It will be against the Netherlands but the CBF has not yet confirmed the location.
“I wanted to bring together players who were with me and play for the audience who loved me and supported me. These people deserve a farewell,” expressed Ronaldo
For Selection, Ronaldo played in four World Cups and won two entered the record books as the highest scorer in the history of the World Cup.
