Birthday boy Ronaldo vows to net 30 this season

[Grande]

Birthday boy Ronaldo vows to net 30 this season
 
AFP
September 22, 2006

MADRID (AFP) - Real Madrid's Brazilian star Ronaldo has vowed to score a goal for each year of his life this season as he joined the growing ranks of thirtysomethings at the Spanish giants.

"30 years, 30 goals" ran the headline in the sports daily As, in reference to the Brazilian's promise to "train as never before" to score 30 goals compared to just 14 for the Primera Liga runners-up last season.

Ronaldo, who turned 30 on Friday, joins Reals ageing brigade which includes Brazilians Roberto Carlos, 33, and Emerson, 30, Italy's Fabio Cannavaro, 33, England's David Beckham, 31, and Dutch star Ruud van Nistelrooy, 30.

 
And the local press questioned whether the striker, who earned 10 million euros last season, really has the ability to net the 30 promised as he struggles with weight and form.

Ronaldo has just returned to training two months after undergoing a knee operation in Brazil and is not expected to be picked by coach Fabio Capello before October. He has not scored for Real since April 8 last.

Capello has ordered the chubby striker slim down by at least six kilos, and he is now just two kilos short of his target.

Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon remains confident however that their star can regain his top form, telling As that Ronaldo has "a hugely positive and admirable attitude and is in great form".

But sports daily Marco commented wryly: "He can't eat any birthday cake to mark the occasion."

 

[Ponnoxx]

 As long as he motivated the goals will come...Must score Ronaldo

[Israel]

Ronaldo is still a big big player. May not be as fast as he was 7 years ago but still one of the best finishers around. If Madrid uses him they won't get that bad of a blow out from Barca. Big up to fat boy. Class is class

[Papasmurf]

Ronaldo can do it. He still has a far superior finishing ability than almost all the strikers out there today.

[rippin]

Lol. He assuming he going and get real game play.
That is a big statement there boy. Good luck Ronnie. Look Stern drop some weight and he netting so no doubt you can too.

[Jah Gol]

Ronaldo is Ronaldo. Once he is fit he could be devastating.

[capodetutticapi]

that will be one tough order to fill.

[Peong]

Ronaldo talkin about scorin for de reserves or first-team?

[Papasmurf]

His spot waiting for his return...Cassano can return to the bench, cuz he not performing.

[Disgruntled_Trini]

Ronaldo eh even sure to play 30 game farless score 30 goal.

Me eh know when he go wake up from that dream he seems to be living in.

[Darkromeo]

People always writing off ronaldo eh! d man play bout half d games last season and still end up Real top scorer...... so maybe he get alil fat but that doh say fat ppl cah play football eh. he go drop d pounds like d coach want him too.... and even if he only score 20 i will still be glad. who is d world cup top goal scorer ............. RONALDO...... BLESSSSS!!!

[killadrilla]

if i was he i would retire and eat cake everyday..top scorer in the world cup ever, nothing better than that.

[madmonn]

Once Ronaldo fit and put his mind to it he can get those goals, he still has that ability.... no doubt

[*~*steph*~*]

haha yeh ronaldo ..he wud score it..woi woi n me n him bday was same day!