Brazil coach Mano Menezes has praised Ronaldo's dedication in the latter stages of his career following the striker's decision to retire from professional football with immediate effect.
Menezes worked with Ronaldo during his spell in charge of Corinthians and won the Brazilian Cup and Campeonato Paulista with the Coringao.
"Today is without a doubt one of the most special days that football and life has to offer," started Menezes in an open letter on his official website.
"Even living in a world that is a whirlwind of events and madness, many people, including me, took a moment to reflect on the official retirement of Ronaldo 'Fenomeno'. One day known as Ronaldinho and now Ronaldo Luiz Nazario de Lima again.
"His career is highlighted by numerous great achievements. He's the all-time World Cup top goalscorer. He was voted best player in the world on three occasions. He played for some of the best clubs in the world and became an idol all over the world.
"We worked together for about 18 very intensive months at Corinthians and his individual class impressed all of us. The results might have been better in his first year, but his enormous desire to always win every game explains his ability to make comeback after comeback. His superb mentality helped him overcome his injury problems.
"I firmly remember how he was sitting on the treatment table putting on a bandage in the dressing room only days before he helped us to victory in the Brazilian Cup and the Campeonato Paulista.
"From now on, he will be considered as a legend of the game and he will join many others from the past who have filled us with joy with their masterpieces. Fortunately for us, stars come and go in Brazilian football. Those who enter the stage will learn from those who starred before them, like Ronaldo. His faults? Every human has his mistakes and that's what I saw in Ronaldo; that he was a human being.
"It's now up to us to repay Ronaldo for everything he has done for us. We'll have to minimise the empty feeling he probably has and he deserves the affection of all Brazilian football fans. Being successful has always been his trademark and we can only hope that he will soon be active in the football world again in some position.
"In this world, friends will come and go, doors will open and close and you win and you lose titles. However, life goes on and you realise that more than anyone else."
Menezes worked with Ronaldo during his spell in charge of Corinthians and won the Brazilian Cup and Campeonato Paulista with the Coringao.
"Today is without a doubt one of the most special days that football and life has to offer," started Menezes in an open letter on his official website.
"Even living in a world that is a whirlwind of events and madness, many people, including me, took a moment to reflect on the official retirement of Ronaldo 'Fenomeno'. One day known as Ronaldinho and now Ronaldo Luiz Nazario de Lima again.
"His career is highlighted by numerous great achievements. He's the all-time World Cup top goalscorer. He was voted best player in the world on three occasions. He played for some of the best clubs in the world and became an idol all over the world.
"We worked together for about 18 very intensive months at Corinthians and his individual class impressed all of us. The results might have been better in his first year, but his enormous desire to always win every game explains his ability to make comeback after comeback. His superb mentality helped him overcome his injury problems.
"I firmly remember how he was sitting on the treatment table putting on a bandage in the dressing room only days before he helped us to victory in the Brazilian Cup and the Campeonato Paulista.
"From now on, he will be considered as a legend of the game and he will join many others from the past who have filled us with joy with their masterpieces. Fortunately for us, stars come and go in Brazilian football. Those who enter the stage will learn from those who starred before them, like Ronaldo. His faults? Every human has his mistakes and that's what I saw in Ronaldo; that he was a human being.
"It's now up to us to repay Ronaldo for everything he has done for us. We'll have to minimise the empty feeling he probably has and he deserves the affection of all Brazilian football fans. Being successful has always been his trademark and we can only hope that he will soon be active in the football world again in some position.
"In this world, friends will come and go, doors will open and close and you win and you lose titles. However, life goes on and you realise that more than anyone else."
