Ronaldo, the Brazilian star who is one of soccer's all-time greats, announced at a news conference Wednesday that he has become a part owner of the Ft. Lauderdale Strikers of the North American Soccer League.
More interestingly, Ronaldo, 38 years old and out of soccer for four years, says he will train with the intent of playing for the team.
That potentially will draw international curiosity — and local curiosity as well, since Minnesota United also plays in the NASL.
Ronaldo said his return to the field will help the league and soccer in America. Asked whether he would play, Ronaldo responded in English and said "that is not easy."
"I love to play," he said. "That was my big love. But when I retired, it was because of my body. I had so much pain and so many injuries. "It isn't easy to get fit. I will try. I will train a lot."
The NASL spring season is still nearly three months away, but if Ronaldo is able to get fit and play, June 13 will be a date to circle. That's when Ft. Lauderdale is slated to play Minnesota United at the National Sports Center in Blaine.
In case you forgot how good he was, here's a YouTube compilation to help remind you:
