Ronaldo to be public face of Brazil 2014

By Duncan Mackay at the Sheraton San Conrado in Rio de Janeiro

December 1 – Ronaldo was officially unveiled here today as the new face of the Organising Committee of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

The two-time World Cup winner was introduced by Ricardo Teixeira, the President of the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF), who will sit alongside Ronaldo on a new three-man Committee.

The third member of the panel still has to be announced.

But Teixeira will continue to head the Local Organising Committee despite facing criticism at home and abroad amid allegations that he is guilty of corruption.

He hopes that the appointment of Ronaldo, a former two-time Ballon d’Or winner, will help take some of the pressure off him.

“Now is the time for reconciliation and to concentrate on making the 2014 World Cup the largest and most beautiful tournament of all time,” said Teixeira.

“And who better to help us do that than a great player who is an idol all over the world.”

Ronaldo and Teixeira hugged briefly as they passed on the stage before the former player sat alone on the stage and spoke of his delight at his new appointment.

“It is an honour for me, to face this challenge, to pass on optimism for the Brazilian public and show that we are proud to have this World Cup in Brazil,” said Ronaldo, who is doing the job for nothing.

“This is the ideal moment to bring together everyone who is involved in this process.

“This is not FIFA’s World Cup, not the CBF’s World Cup, not the Government’s World Cup, it belongs to the public and they have to be proud of this World Cup, they have to take part in the his World Cup.”

The 35-year-old former striker, who played for Barcelona, Inter Milan and Real Madrid, before ending his career at Corinthians in June is now carving out a new career for himself in marketing but was happy to accept this new role.

Ronaldo claimed that the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of Michel Platini of France and Germany’s Franz Beckenbauer, who headed up the organisation of the 1998 and 2006 World Cups respectively, was too good to turn down.

“The first thing I thought was, why I take the job?” he said.

“But I want to do this for the public, the public deserves my contribution.

“I feel I have been an important part of this event and wanted to take up the challenge.

“I’m really proud and will give my best to help create the best World Cup there has ever been.”

Teixeira, claimed that Ronaldo will form an important bridgehead to the World Cup for Brazilians and will work closely with two other legends – Pele, appointed as a Government ambassador for the event, and Romario, who is now a Congressman who has been a fierce critic of the preparations.

“Ronaldo has the identity to represent Brazil, his voice will represent the Committee and to show that the World Cup belongs to Brazilians,” said Teixeira.

Contact the writer of this story at zib.l1734847288labto1734847288ofdlr1734847288owedi1734847288sni@y1734847288akcam1734847288.nacn1734847288ud1734847288