Football
ESPN staff 9y

Ronaldo to open 30 football schools in China to aid development

Brazil legend Ronaldo is set to open 30 football schools in China in a bid to help develop the sport in Asia.

Ronaldo, 39, won two World Cups with Brazil and starred for Barcelona, Real Madrid and Inter Milan during a stellar playing career. Now, he is an ambassador for the global game and, with the Chinese Super League bringing in the likes of Robinho and Diego Tardelli, the former striker believes that he can help.

"Besides business factor, the major reason for me to open football school in China is because there are lots of football fans and players in the country, and Chinese government and civil organisation also focus on football development," Ronaldo told Xinhua news.

"I hope my method of football training could help develop Chinese football. I think Chinese football has the mass base and determination, but it may still lack the proper concept and training method."

Chinese President Xi Jinping is pushing for the country to host the World Cup one day, but the domestic game has been hindered by corruption in the past.

China have only competed at the World Cup once: in 2002 when they lost all three group games -- including a 4-0 defeat by Brazil in which Ronaldo scored. Their women's team were knocked out of the 2015 World Cup in the quarterfinals by eventual winners United States.

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