‘Honest’ Ronaldo admits loving tennis more than football now: “It’s too boring”

Ronaldo Nazario also suggested that his love for tennis makes him willing to watch a five-hour match.

‘Honest’ Ronaldo admits loving tennis more than football now: “It’s too boring”

Ronaldo Nazario expressed his newfound love for tennis. (via IMAGO)

Brazilian legend Ronaldo Nazario surprised football fans all over the world, by suggesting that he had fallen in love with another sport, which is, tennis. The 47-year old made the statement at the Mouratoglou Annual Charity Gala aimed to raise funds for aspiring tennis players.

A former Ballon d’Or winner, who led the Brazilian national team to two World Cup trophies, in 1994 and 2002, is easily recognized as one of the greatest forwards of the game. R9, as he is popularly known as, however has an affection for a number of other sports, other than football. He is frequently seen at major Formula One events, and NFL and NBA games. Notably, he was spotted at the F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix last year.

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However, in a latest revelation, the former Real Madrid star revealed his newfound love for tennis over football. He claimed that football has turned ‘boring’ for him, making it hard for him to sit through a full 90-minute game. Conversely, he pointed out that tennis offers an engaging experience beyond the ideal duration of a football match. The two-time Ballon d’Or winner also noted the excitement and continuous action in tennis, as a reason for the shift.

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I think I love more tennis now than football. I cannot watch football matches. I think it's too boring. I can stay for 5 hours watching tennis, it's crazy.
Ronaldo Nazario at the Mouratoglou Annual Charity Gala (via 777Score)

Additionally, Ronaldo mentioned that he trains three times a week to enhance his tennis skills, humorously admitting that his backhand shot remains a challenge. The Brazilian is expected to attend Wimbledon, which begins on July 1.

Brazilian legend Ronaldo sells his stake in boyhood club Cruzeiro

Ex-Real Madrid and Inter Milan great Ronaldo Nazario sold his stake in his boyhood club Cruzeiro, helping the club clear off its $195 million debt. He had made his professional debut with Cruzeiro back in 1993.

Ronaldo Cruzeiro
Brazilian legend Ronaldo sold his 90 percent stakes in his boyhood club Cruzeiro. (via IMAGO)

The 47-year old legend sold the 90 percent of the club that he had acquired in 2021 for $70 million through his company, Tara Sports, to BPW Sports. This move was aimed at addressing Cruzeiro‘s substantial debts and alleviating concerns about bankruptcy. Despite the sale, Ronaldo will remain involved as a member of the club’s board of directors.

Apart from this, he is also hoping to sell the 51 percent stakes that he holds on the Spanish side, Real Valladolid. He also co-owns A1 Brazilian Grand Prix team, the sports marketing company 9INE and Fort Lauderdale Strikers of the North American Soccer League.

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