THANKS FOR ALL THE LOVE
Ex-brazil superstar on the mend as football world rallies round
BRAZIL legend Ronaldo has thanked well-wishers across the world after a major health scare left fans fearing the worst.
The World Cup winner and twotime Ballon d’or holder is hoping to leave hospital today, having spent the weekend in intensive care in Ibiza after suffering from pneumonia.
Ronaldo – who clinched the World Cup Golden Boot award in 2002 – was taken to the private Policlinica Nuestra Senora del Rosario hospital on the Spanish island after being taken to a public hospital there on Friday night.
The celebrated former Real Madrid forward – who also played for Barcelona, Inter Milan and AC Milan – has been showered with messages of support after being taken ill while on holiday in Ibiza, where he owns a home. Last night, following a tense weekend, the 41-year-old wrote on Twitter that he had had “strong flu”, but that now “it’s all in order”.
Ronaldo added: “I get the discharge tomorrow and come back home. Thank you all for your love and your messages!”
Former England and Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand tweeted (left): “Just seen the news... hope your ok legend @Ronaldo get well soon!!” Ronaldo scored 62 times for Brazil, including both goals when they beat Germany in the 2002 World Cup final.
He hung up his boots seven years ago after two years with Corinthians in Brazil. Ronaldo lifted two La Liga titles with Real and the UEFA Cup with Inter. He was part of the Brazil squad that won the 1994 World Cup – although he did not play – and helped them reach the 1998 final.
He picked up the Ballon d’or in both 1997 and 2002.