Stars

Tearful Ronaldo announces retirement from football

(Agencies/chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2011-02-15 11:33

In a tearful announcement, one of the world's greatest soccer stars, revealed his decision to retire, ending one of the most successful careers in soccer.

Former Brazil striker Ronaldo cries during a news conference in Sao Paulo Feb 14, 2011. [Photo/Agencies]

SAO PAULO - There was finally an opponent Ronaldo couldn't overcome - his own body.

No longer able to meet the demands of football because he can't stay fit anymore, Ronaldo announced Monday that he is retiring, ending a stellar 18-year career in which he won two World Cup titles with Brazil and thrived with some of Europe's top clubs.

"It's very hard to leave something that made me so happy," a tearful Ronaldo said. "Mentally I wanted to continue, but I have to acknowledge that I lost (the fight) to my body."

The 34-year-old striker, who has scored a record 15 World Cup goals, said a string of injuries in the past two years had kept him from performing at a high level with Brazilian club Corinthians.

Former Brazil striker Ronaldo reacts during a news conference in Sao Paulo Feb 14, 2011. [Photo/Agencies]