体坛英语新闻：Ronaldo makes long awaited debut

RIO DE JANEIRO, March 5 (Xinhua) -- In an unexpected and low-key fashion, Ronaldo made his long awaited return on Wednesday night to the soccer world, reported the local media on Thursday.

    After more than a year of being sidelined due to his knee injury and consequential surgery, Ronaldo played in his first game as a Corinthian. Coming off the bench in the second half, the player did not have any attempts to shoot on goal, but did successfully complete all eleven of his passes.

    Corinthians beat Itumbiara 2-0. However, the win was overshadowed by "the phenomenon's" return to the grass. Playing for the last 28 minutes of Wednesday night's game for the Brazilian Cup, Ronaldo proved once again that he can overcome adversity and do what he loves in life: play soccer.

Brazilian striker Ronaldo exercises during his first training session with his new team Corinthians in Sao Paulo December 26, 2008.

    Coincidentally, Ronaldo has a perfect record when making a debut. In his fifteen years as a professional soccer play, he and his respective team have never lost.

    "He moved quite well on the field. He had a good debut. He has already begun working on his dribbling skills and I expect that he will only get better as time goes on. But, the most important thing that happened was that he actually stepped back onto the field," said Corinthians' head coach, Mano Menezes.

    Ronaldo and the Corinthians' next challenge will be on Sunday, March 8, when they play in the "classic" against Palmeiras. Mano Menezes has not yet revealed his plans on using Ronaldo for the game. It is not clear if he will begin the game on the bench again or not. However, Ronaldo already has his sights set on being among the starting line-up for Sunday's big game for the Sao Paulo state championship.