During the FIFA World Cup, Brazilian football legend Ronaldo gave an exclusive interview to L'Équipe, discussing a range of topics.

On the incident during the 1998 FIFA World Cup

Ronaldo said: "Regarding what happened in 1998, all I remember is that after lunch, I was lying in my room... When I woke up, I found myself surrounded by medical staff and some teammates. After that, I was taken to a clinic for examination, and once the results were shown to Zagallo, the doctor gave me permission to play."

Did you feel you were fit to play at that time?

Ronaldo said: "I insisted on playing! My biggest fear was that the whole world would see me as someone who quit at the last minute. I don't regret playing, but I was only 21, extremely anxious, and felt like I was under intense pressure with no mental support around me. In the 90s, mental health was still a taboo subject."

Few players like you have managed to reinvent their game after serious injuries. How did you cope with that transformation?

Ronaldo: "In the first half of my career, I had tremendous physical power. I could run at full speed over long distances and then stop suddenly. Obviously, serious injuries forced me to completely change that style. My knees could no longer withstand explosive bursts and constant running. To remain a match-winner, I had to rebuild everything from scratch."

Ronaldo continued: "I quickly realized that I had been training incorrectly for half my career, and this cost me dearly. Recurring serious injuries and chronic pain eventually forced me to retire early in 2011, at age 34. But by 2002, I was truly in the most efficient phase of my career. I could still execute precise acceleration, more accurate shots, and distribute my physical energy more effectively."

You were part of Brazil's great tradition of centre-forwards; before you came Romário, and after you came Adriano... Now Brazil no longer produces strikers like that. How do you explain this?

Ronaldo said: "Football tactics have changed, and you cannot expect the new generation to completely replicate a playing style defined by previous generations. For example, modern strikers need to do much more off the ball, which fundamentally alters the characteristics of the old-school 'goal machine.' Add to that the excessive pressure placed on players, which directly impacts their mental health. However, I must acknowledge that we Brazilians need to start cultivating and nurturing strikers with the ability to finish decisively again."

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