Newly crowned Copa Libertadores champions Corinthians are hoping to bring Ronaldo out of retirement to commemorate their participation in the FIFA Club World Cup in Japan this December.
Lance! report that the directors at the club are hoping to persuade the former World Player of the Year and all-time leading World Cup goalscorer to take the field for a few minutes in their opening fixture.
Ronaldo joined the Timão in 2009 but despite a fine goalscoring record during his stay, his time at the club ended somewhat unceremoniously after Corinthians were dumped out of the 2011 Copa Libertadores in the qualifying phase against Deportes Tolima of Venezuela.
Fitness concerns, in no small part fuelled by a medical condition that has left the former World Cup winner prone to extreme weight-gain, will no doubt limit any involvement he may have to a minimum, but the Corinthians marketing department are adamant that any appearance, no matter how brief, would provide the club a huge commercial boost, specifically in Asia.
‘The idea is a good one,’ said journalist Rodrigo Vessoni. 'Having Ronaldo will drag the Japanese [fans to the stadium] to cheer for Corinthians. Tite has a lot of adoration for R9, which would make them a good combination.’
Ronaldo, who watched Wednesday's final in Las Vegas, is yet to comment on a possible return, but has expressed his delight at the club’s Libertadores triumph: ‘I'm so happy that the Corinthians are champions, and deservedly so. The team was infinitely superior in the game… I watched the game in Las Vegas on lots of Televisons with over 200 Corinthians fans.’
