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 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.

Brazil: Romario Wants Ronaldo At Flamengo

Brazilian striking legend Romario has indicated that he would love to see Ronaldo pull on the shirt of Flamengo during an interview with Brazilian sports paper 'Globoesporte'.

Romario left Barcelona to join Flamengo in 1995 and enjoyed another two spells at the Rubro-Negro during the nineties, sandwiched between his time in Spain with Valencia. He admits that the club still holds a special place in his heart.

"I identify myself closely with the supporters of Flamengo," he explained.

"I played there for five years and had a great time."

With Ronaldo making progress in his return from a career threatening knee injury, Romario believes that it would be a great coup for Flamengo and the Brazilian league in general if they could sign the three-time world player of the year.

"He is an expensive player, but like the fans of Flamengo I think it would be great to see a player of his talent in our football, especially in Rio," he affirmed.

During his playing days, Romario was notorious for his off the field activities and his general dislike of training. He was asked his opinion on Adriano and Ronaldinho - two players that appear to share these same traits.

"Everyone knows that I have always had two sides. I did what I wanted, but I could always be counted upon on match day.

"They have the right to make the best of their lives, but also have a duty to arrive on the pitch and give their best.

"I believe they are still players that can prove valuable to Brazil," he concluded.

Ronaldo A Doubt For World Club Championship

It seems that AC Milan could be without Ronaldo for the upcoming World Club Championship in Japan after he felt a muscle pain during their game with Benfica in midweek.

There is a possibility that he has torn the muscle, which would rule him out for a few weeks, causing him to miss the trip to Japan.

Flamengo Linked With Ronaldo Move

Flamengo have been linked with a move for AC Milan's Ronaldo, should the Brazilian side quality for the Copa Libertadores.

Whilst club officials have indicated they would rather concentrate on the remaining two games of the league season than answer transfer speculation, there is a growing consensus in Brazil that Flamengo will attempt to bring in Ronaldo on loan should they qualify.

Is is thought that AC Milan may be willing to loan out Ronaldo in order to facilitate his return to full fitness.

Ronaldo Back in Training With AC Milan

Ronaldo has finally returned to full training with his AC Milan teammates after three months out with a thigh injury.

The Brazilian striker was expected to return a couple of weeks ago, but chose to spend some extra time building up his muscle strength to avoid picking up another injury on his return.

If his return to training goes as planned, he is expected to be in contention for a first team place come the end of the month

Pele Speaks

Pele has spoken in Marca (Spanish link) about various Brazilian footballers.

He has advised Kaka that if he is happy at AC Milan, he should stay, no matter what Real Madrid may offer him financially. He has cited his own choice of staying at Santos for his entire career as an example, even when he received offers from teams like Real or Juventus.

He believes that Ronaldo can return to be "number one" at AC Milan and that across the city at Inter, Adriano "will return to be great".

When asked about young starlet Alexandre Pato, he thinks he is a great prospect with great opportunites for the future.

Finally, when asked to pick one player to watch out for, Pele picked Santos striker Marcos Aurelio who has scored 40 goals in the last 18 months. He likened the player to Romario and described him as a player with great promise.

Below is a video of one of his goals whilst at Atletico Paranaense; for his Santos goals click here.