Ronaldo receives the title of honorary citizen and exalts Minas Gerais < In Attack

Ronaldo Fenômeno received the title of honorary citizen of Minas Gerais on Wednesday night (27/3). The former striker and current majority member of Cruzeiro’s Sociedade Anônima de Futebol (SAF) was at the state Legislative Assembly (ALMG), in Belo Horizonte, to be honored.

Created by Cruzeiro’s youth teams, Ronaldo played between 1993 and 1994 with the Celeste shirt and returned as manager when purchasing 90% of SAF’s shares in December 2021. The Phenomenon praised Minas Gerais and spoke about its beginnings, still in the decade 1990.

“It is a great honor to receive the title of honorary citizen of Minas Gerais in this house. It was here that I was born into the world, at the age of 16, and entered the field for the first time as a professional. It’s not in my speech, but my first girlfriend was also from here [risos]. It was here that I was sure that my dreams were possible and from here I set out to achieve them. It was from Cruzeiro that I received the greatest opportunity of my life: going abroad to make history and bring to Brazil what could be ours”

Ronaldo Fenômeno, former striker and member of Cruzeiro’s SAF

Upon receiving the honor, which was given by 26 parliamentarians from the Legislative Assembly of Minas Gerais, Ronaldo also commented on his return to Cruzeiro. Phenomenon spoke about the difficulties faced and the new routine as a celestial leader.

“I returned home like a good son. I came back because I believed in Cruzeiro’s return. I came back because I was part of the change in Brazilian football. I am very grateful for the way they welcomed me, for the support of the people of Minas Gerais. Together we wrote a beautiful chapter of overcoming, and we move forward facing difficult, challenging moments and with many lessons along the way towards rebuilding a giant on and off the field”, said Ronaldo, who followed.

“I really changed my life to embark on this project. Today, this land is part of my routine and my plans. They say that here, surrounded by mountains, you learn to breathe horizons. I would say that kid from 1993 learned early. Thank you very much, Minas Gerais. Thank you very much, Cruzeiro”, concluded the Phenomenon.

Origin of Ronaldo

Despite never having played professionally in Rio de Janeiro, Ronaldo took his first steps in football with the amateur team from the São Cristóvão neighborhood.

Born and raised in Cidade Maravilhosa, the former center forward moved to Belo Horizonte in 1993, months before turning 16. After a short period at the base, he was promoted to Cruzeiro’s main squad.

Ronaldo’s career with Cruzeiro and the Brazilian national team

During his time as a player, the Fenômeno scored 56 goals in 58 matches for Raposa. Still as a Cruzeiro player, he was called up and won the 1994 World Cup in the United States.

One of the greatest idols in the history of the Brazilian team, Ronaldo won the World Cup again in 2002, in a landmark edition held in Japan and South Korea.

In addition to Cruzeiro, Ronaldo played for Corinthians in Brazil. In Europe, he defended PSV, from the Netherlands; Barcelona and Real Madrid, from Spain; and Internazionale and Milan, from Italy.

Vitor Moreira collaborated