Playing in his first professional match in Brazil since 1994, Ronaldo returned to the field in the 68th minute of an opening round Brazilian Cup clash with Itumbiara, helping Corinthians hold on to a 2-0 win and advance in the tournament. It was Ronaldo’s game since undergoing surgery after a knee injury suffered with AC Milan in February 2008.
“It was a good debut for Ronaldo. He moved well and even tried some of the moves that are typical of him,” said Corinthians coach Mano Menezes in an AP report, adding that getting him on the field for this first match was “important to overcome” and “with time things should become easier” for the two-time World Cup champion.
So, that was the good news out of Central Brazil. The bad news? The 32-year-old forward, who last played in might have to miss Sunday’s match against rival Palmeiras due to a swollen eye that he suffered following the match when a throng of reporters descended upon him and he took a microphone to the face.