Exactly 15 years ago, on 6 October 2002, Ronaldo Luis Nazario de Lima played his first appearance at Santiago Bernabeu with Real Madrid greatness uniform. The legendary Brazilian striker took just a minute on the pitch to netted the first of his 104 goals with Madrid.
In the game, Ronaldo immediately bought up two goals. A perfect 'introduction', phenomenal, it was perfect for a player who bears the nickname Il Fenomeno.
Overall, Ronaldo scored 104 goals in 177 appearances for Madrid in all tournaments. It all started from his debut at the Bernabeu against Deportivo Alaves.
Born in Rio de Janeiro on September 18, 1976, Ronaldo started his professional career as a footballer with Cruzeiro in 1993. After the 1994 World Cup, which he attended despite being 17 (but not played), Ronaldo joined PSV Eindhoven in the Netherlands.
Ronaldo's ability as a striker was growing rapidly. Two seasons at PSV, he attracted Barcelona and Inter Milan. Barcelona was a club that successfully bought him with a transfer value of $ 19.5 million ( a world record at that time). Ronaldo was only one season in Barcelona uniform, but that was enough for him to win the FIFA World Player of the Year 1996 award. At the age of 20, he became the youngest player ever to win.
Based on the problem of contract negotiations, Ronaldo chose to leave Catalan. Inter finally got it in the summer of 1997. With a transfer value of $ 27 million, Ronaldo became the second player after Diego Maradona who ever broke the world transfer record twice.
With Inter, his ability as a forward being more perfect. Speed, a technique to goal instinct being sharper. Until Italian media dubbed him 'Il Fenomeno', and we do not need Google Translate to find out the meaning.
But a knee injury made Ronaldo can not pull out all his best ability. After the 2002 World Cup, and 59 goals in 99 appearances with the Nerazzurri uniform, Ronaldo returns to Matador Country. Madrid recruited him with a transfer value of € 46 million.
Ronaldo was brought in as part of the Galacticos era, which included Zinedine Zidane, Luis Figo, to David Beckham.Though an injury made him unable to get down to the field until October 2002, the Madrid fans were constantly singing his name.
Their wait to see Ronaldo appear in Madrid's uniform at the Bernabeu was finally completed on October 6, 2002, when Madrid hosted Alaves in Jornada 5 La Liga.
Entered as a substitute for Guti on 63rd minutes by coach Vicente del Bosque, Ronaldo took just a minute to score his first goal. The goal was born from the assist of his compatriot, Roberto Carlos. In the 78th minute, continued through pass from Steve McManaman, Ronaldo scored his second goal. Madrid finally won 5-2 thanks to one goal from Zidane and two goals each from Figo and Ronaldo.
Since then, goal by goal continues to be born from the foot of Ronaldo, especially after returning to wear number 9 (in his first season he wore number 11). These included a hat-trick against Manchester United at Old Trafford in a Champions League quarter-final duel, which earned him a standing ovation from both supporters. In addition, Ronaldo also scored one of the fastest goals in Madrid's history when breaking into Atletico Madrid's goal in the 14th second (La Liga 2003/04). Not to forget anyway, some beautiful goals in El Clasico against Barcelona - which incidentally was his former club.
Together with Madrid, Ronaldo won La Liga twice and grabbed one title each; Intercontinental Cup and Supercopa de Espana. On the individual side, he won Trofeo Pichichi, his third FIFA World Player of the Year and the second Ballon d'Or.
His last two seasons in Madrid, before leaving in the winter of 2007, Ronaldo was more absent due to injury and weight problems. After Madrid recruited Ruud van Nistelrooy in 2006, Ronaldo was rarely given a chance by coach Fabio Capello.
Ronaldo finally left Madrid, but his prowess remains timeless.
Ronaldo then returned to the city of Milan, but this time to wear the red-black uniform AC Milan. But Ronaldo was no longer the same Ronaldo. Ghost injury was still faithful terrorize him. Only one season he strengthened Milan.
Ronaldo then joined Corinthians in 2009, before announcing his retirement in February 2011. The injury was the one who forced him. In a press conference at the time, Ronaldo said: "It is very difficult to leave something that makes me so happy."
"Mentally, I still want to go on, but I have to admit to losing the condition of the body, the head wants to continue, but the body is no longer able.
Ronaldo finally closed his 18-year career as a professional footballer. He retired as one of the greatest strikers and players of all time.
In his prime-time; speed, technique, power, dribbling skills, ball control, balance and Ronaldo's goal instinct were unparalleled. Although basically right-footed, Ronaldo's left foot was also great, and it makes him even more frightening. Despite the position as a striker, Ronaldo was able to design an assist for his colleagues, thanks to his vision and passing ability he has.
Ronaldo was a true nightmare of the opposing defender. Dealing one-on-one with Ronaldo, goalkeeper usually can only surrender. He is indeed phenomenal.
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