World Soccer: Brazilian Superstar Ronaldo 'Fenômeno' Retires From Football

São Paulo-- Today all soccer fans must tip their hats to honor one of the greatest sports superstars of our time, Ronaldo. The 34-year-old Brazilian striker knew that this season would be his last gracing the soccer pitch, but from his injury-ridden body he claims he will call it quits today and go no further. 

"My body aches. In my head, I want to continue, but this body can't take much more. In recent days I have cried like a baby," was the response from the Corinthians striker. 

It's hard to think about never seeing Ronaldo on the field again. When many people  speak of modern soccer greats, the names of Messi, Ronaldinho, and Cristiano Ronaldo echo in the conversation, but many forget the original Ronaldo. The Phenomenon. 

Although he has fallen out in recent years, his dominance of the sport remains uncanny. He hangs his boots with 97 international appearances for his native country Brazil, tallying 62 goals, leaving his goal-scoring record second on the Brazilian all-time goals list behind Pele.

He will wave goodbye to the sport with the honor of being the sole record holder FIFA World Cup leading scorer with 15 goals, including two decisive goals in the 2002 World Cup final. 

He donned the shirt of some of the best clubs in the world, and showed that he is worthy of the FIFA Player of the Year—three times.

The Brazilian netted goals for Cruzeiro, PSV Eindhoven, Barcelona, Inter Milan, Real Madrid, AC Milan, and lastly Corinthians. His 18-year career of brilliance was riddled by injuries and tabloids, but they did not tarnish the legend we've come to respect and honor. 

His prolific goal scoring will now be a strong memory in football. Now, all Ronaldo will be is a faded name in a 'favela' of Rio de Janeiro, but the one of a kind striker has left his mark on the game for good.  And for that, he can leave with his head held high. 

It's been real Ronaldo, farewell.