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Madrid's head coach Fabio Capello criticized Ronaldo for still being overweight, even though the Brazilian recently said in an interview that he is in good shape in every way. The Italian strategist also added that the changes in his waist area are moving in the right direction.
"He looks better every day in training and gradually regains an acceptable physical condition. However, he is still not in top form, he still needs to lose a few pounds, although he doesn't look very bad," said F. Capello on Saturday.
"He has lost a fair amount of weight, but he needs to lose more to become the player everyone remembers," added the coach.
In the stands of the Bernabeu stadium, Ronaldo is called "el Gordo" (meaning chubby). His waistline has been increasing since his first appearance in Spain in the middle of the last decade, when the young Brazilian, renowned for his lightning speed, playing for Barcelona, simply conquered the La Liga championship. This season, the player had to settle for a substitute role behind Ruud van Nistelrooy and team captain Raul.
On Friday, in an interview with the Spanish newspaper "ABC," Ronaldo claimed to be dissatisfied: "I cannot be happy because I am missing in my life what makes me happy – football."
However, he may not have to wait long, as it is believed that Ronaldo should be in the starting lineup for Sunday's match against Celta Vigo.
The footballer hoped to start from the first minutes in the Champions League match against Steaua Bucharest on Thursday, but he only appeared in the 74th minute, replacing the main competitor for a place in the starting lineup, R. Van Nistelrooy. F. Capello later explained that he did not let Ronaldo onto the field because he had neck pain.
However, rumors are circulating in Spain that Ronaldo could be sold in January when the player transfer window opens. Similar talks arose at the end of last season when Ronaldo mentioned wanting to leave the club because he was booed by loyal Real fans.
Italian giants Inter and AC Milan battled for his signature in the summer, but with F. Capello taking over as coach, Ronaldo decided to stay. Representing Real Madrid, the Brazilian earns 7.5 million euros annually.
