Ronaldo hangs up his boots after dazzling career

Brazilian striker Ronaldo Luis Nazario de Lima announced Monday that his playing days are over. The 34-year-old, a three-time FIFA World Player of the Year (1996, 1997, 2002), cited a body no longer capable of keeping pace with his ambitions, accelerated by a string of injuries and Corinthians' early Copa Libertadores exit.

His legacy includes 15 World Cup goals, a record surpassing Gerd Muller, and a decisive two-goal performance against Germany in the 2002 final. Knee injuries sidelined him for much of 1999 to 2002, and a ruptured tendon at AC Milan in 2008 effectively ended his European career. He starred at Barcelona, Real Madrid, and both Milan clubs before returning to Brazil.

Historical summary. TurkishPress restated this wire report, first published in February 2011, in its own words.