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.