Chubby Ronaldo to try televised slim down

Ronaldo retired from international competition after the 2006 World Cup but played a farewell match in 2011.

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RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) -- Globo television network says retired Brazilian great Ronaldo is taking part in a televised weight loss program.

The popular variety show "Fantastico'' will chronicle the three-time FIFA player of the year's bid to shed the pounds he packed on since his retirement early last year. The three-month-long program is meant to get Ronaldo back into sport and change his relationship with food, Globo said in a report on its website Friday.

In a clip, the beer bellied former striker acknowledges "I have a terrible relationship with the scale.''

Since retirement, Ronaldo has remained in the public eye as a member of the local organizing committee for the 2014 World Cup. He's also done commercials, some of which poke fun at his dramatic weight gain.

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