Ronaldo: people who criticized me for being overweight should feel bad © EuroFootball.com

Brazilian football legend Ronaldo has ended his dazzling career, but admitted that he is forced to do so, although he would like to continue playing.

The 34-year-old veteran said that his body was no longer able to handle the demands.

"I lost the battle to my body," Ronaldo said. "Close people to me will confirm: I can't even climb stairs without feeling pain.

"I gave my life to football and sacrificed a lot. But I have no regrets."

Ronaldo also said: "Four years ago in Milan, I found out that I had hypothyroidism, which slowed down my metabolism. To solve this problem, I would have had to take medication that is prohibited in football.

"So people who criticize me for my weight should feel bad. I just wanted to explain all of this."