Legendary striker Ronaldo concedes that Brazil are better off without him at the World Cup

By Eric Beard

Though currently still playing for Corinthians in Brazil, Ronaldo has admitted that he is not in good enough form to play for his homeland.

The former Real Madrid, Inter Milan, AC Milan, Barcelona, and PSV Eindhoven striker said, “I don’t deserve the national team. This is evident and obvious.”

However, Ronaldo did also state, “I continue to be available because Brazil is my country and I would be proud to defend it.”

Ronaldo, who was recently deemed the Best Player of the Decade according to a Goal.com poll (Ronaldo gained 43.63% of all votes), has been under constant scrutiny over the past Brasileirão Serie A campaign for not being up to Corinthians’ fitness standards. Still it will be sad for the three-time FIFA Player of the Year and highest all-time World Cup goalscorer (15 goals) to not return to the game’s biggest stage, although it is hardly a surprise.

Brazil coach Dunga has already made it clear that the 23 best players, not the 23 biggest names, will be in South Africa in June. Brazil are World Cup favourites alongside Spain, and the team is expected to be captained by Inter Milan defender Lúcio.

Will you miss ‘O Fenomeno’ at the World Cup? Here’s a little compilation of his glory days.