A chubby-looking Ronaldo said farewell to football in Brazil’s lacklustre 1-0 win over Romania in a friendly, missing three chances in the 15 minutes he was on the pitch.
Fred, who started the match before making way for the former Brazil striker, scored the winner from Neymar’s low left cross in the 22nd minute.
The crowd at the Pacaembu was unhappy with Brazil’s second-half performance in their last warm-up before defending the Copa America in Argentina next month, jeering the team towards the end and chanting Ronaldo’s name.
Brazil had a promising first-half and managed to set up Ronaldo, who played at walking pace, with three chances — but he missed them all.
The striker, who played for both Milan clubs and Spanish rivals Barcelona and Real Madrid in a brilliant career, was inside the six-yard box ready to tap in Maicon’s low cross from the right but goal-keeper Ciprian Tatarusanu blocked.
Robinho then set the unmarked Ronaldo up with an easier chance but the holder of a record 15 World Cup goals and two winners medals sliced the ball way over the top.
“I had three goal opportunities but did not manage to score which would have been a nice present to give back to those who gave me so much,” said the Brazilian to the fans.
Ronaldo announced his retirement in February citing recurring injury and health problems.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 9th, 2011.
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