RIO DE JANEIRO -- Romario gave credit to his former teammate Ronaldo by asking critics away from the real's striker.

The veteran striker said on Friday that Ronaldo was being unfairly criticized, and was confident that Real Madrid player would stage a comeback in the World Cup in Germany.

Romario told the Rio de Janeiro daily O Dia that Ronaldo hadn't been going through a good moment in 2002 either but ended being the best player in the World Cup.

Ronaldo, who was a 17-year-old youngster in Brazil's squad when Romario led the national team to the 1994 World Cup title in the United States, has not performed well recently, fueling suggestions that he may leave Real Madrid at the end of the season.

Ronaldo's recent form has drawn sharp criticism by Real Madrid fans, and even fellow Brazilian Pele and former French star Michel Platini have publicly criticized him.

The 40-year-old Romario plays for four-time Brazilian champion Vasco. He is 36 goals shy of his 1,000th career goal.