By NESTOR F. SEBASTIAN
It doesn't seem too long ago when many were calling on Ronaldo Luis Nazario de Lima to call it quits after suffering a serious knee injury early last year while playing for A.C.Milan, who let his contract expire and released him. The injury was the third such setback he suffered in his illustrious career.
While there were those that speculated he would retire, O Fenomeno began quietly training with Flamengo in his home country upon his return home to recover from surgery. Little did everyone know that Ronaldo would add another successful outline to his resume.
The famous buck-toothed striker who is sporting a mild 'fro' is currently thriving with Flamengo rival's Corinthians, whom he signed for despite Flamengo's courting before the Brazilian championship began. The resurgence of Ronaldo has excited Corinthians administration that it's actually mulling making a movie about his return to soccer.
And not only are fans, media and the Brazilian federation calling for his return to the national team, Brazil president Lula da Silva also put pressure on national team boss Dunga to consider Ronaldo.
With Adriano out of the picture, at least temporarily, it isn't out of the realm of possibility to see the former three-time FIFA Player of the Year in the yellow shirt in upcoming World Cup qualifiers and the Confederations Cup this summer, where he could face the United States.
Ronaldo currently has eight goals in 10 matches and has his side close to claiming its 26th state title in the Paulista Championship.
Last weekend, Ronaldo netted two goals, including a beauty of a chipper, in Corinthians' 3-1 away leg win against Santos with Pele in attendance. The second leg is set for this Sunday and Corinthians, which is on a 22-game undefeated streak in the tournament, sits in the driver's seat to pick up some more silverware.
And, more importantly, Ronaldo is enjoying playing the game he loves and grew up playing in Rio de Janeiro.
Here are highlights of Ronaldo's goals last weekend:
What do you think about Ronaldo's comeback? Hope to see him face the U.S. in the Confed Cup? Could we see him in MLS?
Share your thoughts below.