Brazil legend Ronaldo has confirmed that he will come out of retirement to play for the North American Soccer League’s Fort Lauderdale Strikers, the club at which he is a part owner.  

The 38-year-old suggested back in January he was aiming to turn out for the club, per Sports Illustrated‘s Grant Wahl, and he is now in training, eyeing an appearance in the end-of-season play-offs in November.

As reported by The Guardian, the former Barcelona, Real Madrid and Inter Milan striker has not played for four years—since he finished his playing days at Brazilian club Corinthians in 2011—but he is clearly eager to get back into action: “It’s going to happen. I have already said so. But it’s going to be a bit later, in the play-offs. For now, we are organising it all, but I am going to have a [weight] goal.”

Ronaldo is now a name more associated with Real’s superstar forward Cristiano. But the original Ronaldo is one of the greatest players of recent times, and his return will likely be welcomed by many, although some are also questioning the decision, per Goal USA’s Jon Arnold:

The two-time World Cup winner was beset with fitness concerns and weight issues in his career, and he will have to work incredibly hard to get in shape to contribute significantly for Fort Lauderdale.

But Ronaldo is unquestionably a legend of the game, and his return would bring terrific publicity to the NASL, as well as a touch of greatness. 

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