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Ronaldo has hopes of playing in 2010 Cup, defends Lula
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-09-28 13:17

RIO DE JANEIRO - The polemic Brazilian soccer forward, Ronaldo, said on Saturday that he has high hopes of playing in the 2010 World Cup.


Brazil's soccer player Ronaldo listens to a question during an interview with The Associated Press in Rio de Janeiro, Friday, Sept. 19, 2008. Soccer star Ronaldo is focusing on making a full recovery from a knee injury and not on where he might eventually play again, he said Friday. Ronaldo tried to deflect attention away from recent comments that he would like to play for Manchester City or Paris St. Germain.[Agencies] 

However, his participation in the tournament will entirely depend on his recuperation from knee surgery. Should he recuperate in time and be called to play, Ronaldo will be the first Brazilian player to appear in five World Cups.

"When I am tired after a practice, I always think to myself 'someone has to pay for all this hard work.' It is the fullbacks to end up having to pay," said the player, who is currently looking to sign with a team, but has his eyes on Manchester City.

Ronaldo also defended President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in relation to the heated discussion that took place between team members of the Brazilian national team and the president. Lula praised the Argentinean Lionel Messi for his style of play and criticized the Brazilian team for their lack of hustle.

"It looks like you can no longer have an opinion about soccer. Who doesn't like soccer in Brazil? The president loves soccer and his popularity is incredible. The results he produces are positive. The economy is doing well. We have not been affected by the crises in the U.S. as of yet," stated Ronaldo.