Ronaldo flops in Corinthians fitness test

By Salvatore Landolina, Special to SI.com, Goal.com

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Corinthians striker Ronaldo was put through his paces by the Brazilian club, but those who wanted to see some speed were left bitterly disappointed.

The former Milan and Real Madrid striker offered no encouraging signs during Saturday's fitness session as he struggled, and came last out of the 28 squad members during resistance and speed work exercises.

Ronaldo has been trying hard though, but there is still plenty of work to be done if he is to make a quick return to the pitch.

The hitman was clearly in difficulty as he came up against his leaner teammates.

His fitness coach, Flavio de Oliveira, knows the results are not good, but he is still harboring some hope for the player's future fitness.

"We always knew Ronaldo wouldn't fare as good as the other players," de Oliveira is quoted as saying in Il Corriere Dello Sport. "However, he will get better with time and we are sure of this. He just needs plenty of training to recover from his injury."

Ronaldo will also need to watch what he eats. Recent reports have suggested Corinthians is not bothered by the player's diet.