Ronaldo cheers from afar

JOHANNESBURG – Back home, Ronaldo is doing all he can to help Brazil win a sixth World Cup.

Watching the tournament on TV for the first time in his career, the former striker is hoping to cheer up the Brazilian players in South Africa. He uses his Twitter account to comment on the national team, and sends messages of support to the squad.

“My friends, 16 years ago, I felt what you are feeling now,” Ronaldo wrote. “It was the first of my four World Cups, and even though I was on the bench, it was a great thrill.”

Ronaldo missed out on his fifth World Cup team after a lackluster season with Brazilian club Corinthians. He recovered from the third serious injury of his career last year.