Ronaldo to come out of retirement?

Brazilian football great Ronaldo says he may try to come out of retirement and play some games for the team he part-owns in the North American Soccer League.

Ronaldo spoke on Wednesday for the first time since he became part-owner of the Fort Lauderdale Strikers, who play in an 11-team league which is the second tier of the US soccer structure.

The 38-year-old three-time FIFA World Player of the Year has not played professionally since he was with Corinthians in 2011 but thinks he might be able to help the Strikers in a reserve role, although he admitted that a comeback would be difficult.

Asked at a news conference if he would consider playing, Ronaldo said: "That is not easy.

"I love to play, I love soccer, that was, all my life, my big love. When I retired, I stopped playing because of my body. So much pain and injuries.

"To play a soccer game you have to be in very good shape. I will try for myself, it's another challenge. I am sure it will help the league, help the team.

"I will train a lot and, if the coach needs me, maybe.”

And he also told Sports Illustrated: “I will try to play some games. 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."

A very prolific goalscorer in his heyday, Ronaldo numbered PSV Eindhoven, Barcelona, Inter and Real Madrid among his clubs in Europe and scored both goals in Brazil’s 2002 World Cup final win over Germany.

He is looking forward to his ownership role and said: “It's a new challenge for me.