Ronaldo made his long awaited debut for Corinthians in a Brazilian Cup match against Itumbiara on Wednesday, 13 months after an injury that required the third serious knee surgery of his career.
Corinthians beat Itumbiara 2-0. However, the win was overshadowed by O Fenômeno's return to the field.
Ronaldo entered in the 68th minute and was loudly cheered by most of the 30,000 fans at Estádio Municipal Juscelino Kubitschek.
The three-time FIFA Player of the Year did not have any attempts to shoot on goal, but did successfully complete all eleven of his passes.
The 32-year-old had not played an official match since rupturing his left knee tendon while with AC Milan during a match against Livorno on February 13, 2008 and some feared his career was over.
Milan decided not to renew Ronaldo's one-year rolling contract last summer and he was allowed to return to Brazil for treatment.
The striker trained with Flamengo during his rehabilitation, but later joined rivals Corinthians in a shock move last December.
"To be back on the pitch produced a great feeling," Ronaldo told TV Globo. "It really is a fantastic emotion.
"I have suffered a lot in the last year being away from the pitch.
"This is only the start. I have a lot to do to get better. There's another game on Sunday. I can't play every match but I will try and play as much as I can."
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Corinthians beat Itumbiara 2-0. However, the win was overshadowed by O Fenômeno's return to the field.
Ronaldo entered in the 68th minute and was loudly cheered by most of the 30,000 fans at Estádio Municipal Juscelino Kubitschek.
The three-time FIFA Player of the Year did not have any attempts to shoot on goal, but did successfully complete all eleven of his passes.
The 32-year-old had not played an official match since rupturing his left knee tendon while with AC Milan during a match against Livorno on February 13, 2008 and some feared his career was over.
Milan decided not to renew Ronaldo's one-year rolling contract last summer and he was allowed to return to Brazil for treatment.
The striker trained with Flamengo during his rehabilitation, but later joined rivals Corinthians in a shock move last December.
"To be back on the pitch produced a great feeling," Ronaldo told TV Globo. "It really is a fantastic emotion.
"I have suffered a lot in the last year being away from the pitch.
"This is only the start. I have a lot to do to get better. There's another game on Sunday. I can't play every match but I will try and play as much as I can."
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