[photo by David Cornejo]

Ronaldo Luís Nazário de Lima, known commonly as simply Ronaldo, announced that his 18 year career will come to an end today. The reason: fitness. It is hard to play football when your over weight and Ronaldo finally accepted that he was no longer in shape to play the game he loves without the fear of injury.

In his prime Ronaldo was one of the best footballers on the planet. He won his first Ballon d'Or in 1997 at the age of 21. He would win that award again in 2002. He is also one of only two men to have won the FIFA Player of the Year award three times, Zinedine Zidane being the other player to achieve that. On the international level Ronald lifted the World Cup twice, in 1994 and 2002. The record for the most goals scored in the FIFA World Cup is also held by Ronaldo: 15.

Today when you mention Ronaldo people often ask if your referring to Cristiano or "the fat one". Ronaldo is solely to blame for his down fall. I cant help but remember his transvestite adventures a few month prior to his departure from AC Milan to join Corinthians. We wish you the best Ronnie. Stay healthy.

The video below shows Ronaldo's transformation through the years.

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