by GIANFRANCO PANIZO
Three-time world player of the year Ronaldo is heading back to his native land. The 32-year-old striker is close to finalizing a one-year deal with newly promoted Corinthians.
Ronaldo suffered a severe tendon injury to his left knee back in February while playing for Italian giants AC Milan. The historic forward has been without club soccer since then. That all looks to change as "Timão" have apparently decided to take a chance with the Brazilian legend.
"In the next few hours, the two sides should provide the final formalities to close the deal and set a date for the presentation of the athlete," read a statement on the club's website.
Diego banned for choke hold
Werder Bremen midfielder Diego has been handed a four-match suspension after attempting to strangle Karlsruhe defender Christian Eichner. According to the German football federation, video footage confirmed Diego's vicious action and they've punished the Brazilian with a hefty four game ban.
The ban starts this weekend and will carry over into 2009.
Babel's Ajax loan request denied
Although he would rather be in Amsterdam, Ryan Babel is staying at Liverpool.
According to Babel's agent, Babel had lobbied to the Liverpool chiefs for a temporary move back to Ajax, the club where he started his pro career. Liverpool has denied the request.
''After we got an enthusiastic reaction from Ajax, we asked Liverpool for their co-operation," said Babel's agent Winnie Haatrecht to Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf. "But the club don't want to see him go."
''Rafael Benitez finds Ryan too important. Hopefully we will see that in more playing time. Let's be clear: Ryan feels great at Liverpool, but for him to develop further he needs to get playing time.''
The 21 year old has played in 10 games in the Premier League this season but only two have come as a starter.
Do you think Ronaldo can somewhat revive his career with Corinthians? Is Diego's four game suspension warranted? Will he fall out of form due to this long hiatus? How do you feel about Babel's situation with Liverpool?
Share your thoughts below.
all of you what think’s thet ronaldo is finished your wrong agen biscuis his is still a king and hi dont need tu hew 25 yers hi need only a ball and hi will crash evry golkeeper
So, rumor has it that Roman Abramovich watched the Chelsea game in a NY bar yesterday!
http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/pgStory?contentId=8917536#sport=NFL&photo=8917308
Also, not only was Marcus injured, but Frankie Simek left his match as well with a hamstring pull. At least Bobby Convey actually saw the field!
Who, exactly, does Ryan Babel and his agent think he should displace from the Liverpool starting XI?
He needs to stay and earn a spot or more playing time at Liverpool, which means showing he can perform for 90 minutes, including defensive responsibilities.
A move back to Ajax is not going to help develop his game. But I guess this is what happens when you’re 19 and rumors start floating that Real Madrid are interested in snapping you up.
Timao into serieA would love to start off with a bang. Will be very interesting if he can get them to challenge SPFC.
Let’s face it, Ronaldo is washed up. He’ll have momentary fits of brilliance but the desire and the energy necessary to play 90 minutes week in and week out are long gone. He’d still be a good super sub at any level.
Corinthians destroyed the 2nd division and should have no issue staying up regardless of Ronaldo’s health. If he does stay healthy and performs anywhere near his ability Corithians and Sao Paulo FC should battle it out for the Brasileirão.
Compare the pictures of Ronaldo and Sigi.
Now, guess who is bigger …
I also read somewhere that Juan Sebastian Veron is being pursued by Corinthians.
Guess he’s no longer interested in MLS.
Either of them for that matter.
I’m surprised that ball did not explode …
Only four games for Diego? He should be gone for the rest of the year. Choking is inexcusable.
In England, American abroad Marcus Hannhenman was subbed out in Reading’s win today, apparently suffering an injury.
He’s big, he’s red, he’s jolly, and he’s usually gone by Christmas. It’s Rafa.
Ronaldo and Corinthians is a good fit. If he’s healthy they stay up and he gets one last contract. If he’s not he was likely never going to play a full season again.
Great situation for him, and playing in his homeland will be a treat for he and his fans.