Ronaldo isn't waiting until the end of the season to retire

We've known that Ronaldo would end his legendary career at the conclusion of this season for some time now. Since last summer, the 24-year-old has said his injury-riddled and expanding body has been asking him to stop. But instead of waiting until the end of the season to respect his body's wishes, he's decided to do it right now.

Ronaldo will announce his retirement at a press conference on Monday in part because of his physical condition and in part because his dream of making one last run at the Copa Libertadores was stomped out incredibly early.

Corinthians became the first Brazilian club to ever fail to qualify in the preliminary round and a wave of mayhem ensued. Fans revolted, smashing windows of players cars and spray-painting things like "Ronaldo out" and "shameless fatty" on the walls of Corinthians' training ground. Teammate Roberto Carlos also fled the backlash this weekend by signing for Russian club Anzhi (for $9 million a year) and now Ronaldo is leaving, too.

From the AP:

Its time, Ronaldo was quoted as saying by the website of the Estado deS. Paulo newspaper on Sunday. I cant keep going. I wanted to continue but Icant. I think about making a play but I cant execute it.

According to Globo, Ronaldo also said that, "in recent days I cried like a baby." A sad end for a truly legendary player, but certainly one that won't tarnish his great career. At least, no more than that transvestite prostitute scandal.

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