Brazil: Ronaldo Unconcerned By His Weight

New Corinthians signing Ronaldo has stated that media talk about his ample frame is misguided, and affirmed that he will be in a match-fit state by the conclusion of the club's pre-season preparations.

Ronaldo has born the brunt of many press jibes about his figure since being presented as a Corinthians player on the 12th December, with reports suggesting that he weighed in at 95kg.

Noted physiotherapist Bruno Mazziotti believes that a weight between 89-90kg would be ideal for the striker, and Ronaldo is confident of reaching that by the time he takes to the field in the Corinthians shirt.

"The press exaggerate.. yes, I am heavier than would be ideal, but this is natural considering the amount of time I have gone without playing," he told Timão TV.

"Players can take off, with certainty, five, six kilos during the daily routine of pre-season training."

A number of Corinthians supporters turned up at the training ground on Friday to witness Ronaldo take to the training field for the first time, and the positive reception he has received from the fans will act as an extra motivator for the 32-year old.

"It is incredible. A lot of people are interested in me and that is excellent. Now I must breathe football, breathe training and breath concentration.

"Everything else must be put aside for now, so that I can dedicate myself to my physical training and get in shape for the new season," he concluded.

Brazil: Corinthians Unveil Ronaldo [Video]

Brazil: Corinthians Set To Unveil Ronaldo On Friday

Corinthians are but a signed contract away from completing their extraordinary swoop for the Fenômeno, Ronaldo, with the three time world player of the year set to put pen to paper on Friday.

Reports yesterday suggested that Ronaldo, 32, would sign his one-year contract with the Timão on Wednesday, but those reports appear to have been wide of the mark.

His agent Fabiano Farah instead confirmed that the papers are likely to be signed on Friday - the day of his unveiling.

"Nothing has been signed as of yet, but the agreement is definitely in place," Farah told reporters.

"We will send back the draft contract to Corinthians with some revisions tomorrow (Thursday). The contract will be signed in São Paulo, probably on Friday."

As the news broke of Ronaldo's impending move to Corinthians, Flamengo supporters demonstrated their anger at his apparent snub of the club he claimed to have held a deep affinity for since his formative years.

Prominent Flamengo supporter Jose Carlos Peruano summarised the feelings of many Rubro-Negro fans in an interview with Globoesporte on Tuesday.

"It can no longer be said that Ronaldo is a fan of Flamengo. He will never be welcome here again," he explained angrily.

"Football is a big lie and this player has proven it," he added, as members of the 'Ronaldo Stay' campaign planned to meet on Wednesday to burn images of their former hero.

Brazil: Corinthians Target Veron

Newly-promoted Corinthians' continued search for recognised name signings has led them to Estudiantes and two-time Italian league winner Juan Sebastian Veron, whom they are keen to bring on board for the 2009 Brazilian Championship.

Veron, 33, is out of contract in June of next year and his agent Miguel Pires has told the Brazilian press that he is set to meet with Corinthians president Andres Sanches next week to discuss the possibility of the midfielder joining the Sao Paulo club.

"A representative of the Corinthians president phoned me and we arranged a meeting for next week," he told Globo Esporte.

"Verón has a contract with Estudiantes until June, as he wants to play in the Copa Libertadores. Corinthians understand the situation and are still keen for us to meet."

Corinthians have been linked with a number of high-profile players since sealing their promotion, including a proposed big-money deal for the currently out of contract Ronaldo, and are desperate to secure a big name ahead of their top flight return.

Brazil: Corinthians Dream Of Ronaldo

Newly-promoted Corinthians are planning an audacious move for 'El Fenomeno' Ronaldo to mark their return to the Brazilian top flight next season.

Corinthians are considered to be the second-best supported team in the whole of Brazil and are keen to reinstate their image as one of the country's elite clubs after financial difficulties emanating from their partnership with MSI have shackled them over the last couple of years.

Securing the signature of three-time FIFA World Player of the Year Ronaldo would certainly go some way to doing that, and the club are currently searching for financial partners to put together a big money offer for the 32 year old.

Ronaldo is in the process of recovering from knee surgery following a career threatening injury suffered playing for AC Milan in February and could be on the lookout for a club in the new year should he decide to make a comeback.

He has previously stated that the only Brazilian club he would consider playing for is Flamengo - the team he supported as a boy - but Corinthians are hopeful of twisting his arm with an irresistible financial package, despite the small likelihood of him accepting such an offer.