Former Real Madrid and Brazil striker Ronaldo has claimed he could return to the pitch this year, after becoming part-owner of NASL club Fort Lauderdale Strikers.
Ronaldo was unveiled as a new member of the Strikers' ownership group on Wednesday, with reports in Brazil claiming he has purchased 10 per cent of the club that plays in the United States' second-tier National American Soccer League.
While the 38-year-old has not played professionally since 2011, the two-time World Cup winner has revealed he wants to start training again in the hope he might be able to pull on Fort Lauderdale's red-and-yellow shirt in the 2015 season.
"I will try to play some games," he told Sports Illustrated's website.
"This year I want to train a lot.
"The last three years I didn't because I was too busy in other stuff…maybe if we get to the final and I'm feeling good, why not? I will put my name in the NASL as an option."
The seriousness of Ronaldo's claim is uncertain but it would be a huge coup for the NASL, who already have ex-Real Madrid captain Raul, plus his former Spain international team-mate Marcos Senna on the books at New York Cosmos.
"The Fort Lauderdale Strikers is a team with history, tradition," he said.
"Soccer in America is growing, so I think it's a great opportunity."
Ronaldo played 127 league games for Real Madrid as part of their famous 'Galacticos' era, winning La Liga in 2002-03.
