Legendary Brazilian superstar, Ronaldo Nazario, has come out with a hand of support for Colombian striker, Radamel Falcao. The former Atletico Madrid striker has had a torrid time ever since leaving Los Rojiblancos, being plagued by injuries and inconsistency, but is now getting back to form.
The Monaco striker has scored 6 goals in 8 appearances this season, prompting a call-up to the national team. Meanwhile, Ronaldo, who shared a similar fate with injuries during his time as a footballer, sympathizes with Falcao and admits that injuries are the worst thing that could happen to a footballer.
“The worst thing that can happen to a footballer is an injury,” said Ronaldo. “It takes the life of a footballer. It happened to me twice, very severely, but I always had it in my head that I could get through it.”
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Ronaldo then went on to reveal how then Brazil coach, Luiz Felipe Scolari’s, faith in him, despite being out injured for over a year, paid off in the end when Brazil went on to lift the World Cup in 2002 with Ronaldo finishing as the highest scorer in it.
“My first injury had me out for a year and eight months, and the second for a year and two months. Luiz Felipe Scolari took me to the World Cup because he had a plan and I was on the bench at Inter, regaining confidence, and the end result was incredible.
Falcao will return stronger, says Ronaldo
“Falcao’s case is the same: I’m sure he’ll return even stronger. The worst is over. You win confidence back with the ball – it’s not a gift. He’ll regain his confidence little by little.”
The former Real Madrid Galactico then went on to explain how football provides a player with the chance to redeem himself every week, given that there is at least one game every 7 days.
“There’s always a new opportunity in football. There’s always the next Sunday to play again and write your own script. I wish him all the luck in the world.”
Speaking about Colombia, the Brazilian opined that the South American country will definitely be at the World Cup in 2018 since they have brilliant players like James Rodriguez and Carlos Bacca. He also went on to reveal his admiration for the Real Madrid midfielder.
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“Colombia will be at the next World Cup,” said Ronaldo. “They should be proud because they have always had stars, and now they have James [Rodriguez], [Carlos] Bacca.
“Right now I live in Madrid and I closely follow James. The goal he scored against Uruguay at the Maracana at the World Cup was a work of art, spectacular."
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