By DPA
Sao Paulo : Brazilian football legend Pele says he is pessimistic about the recovery chances of Milan striker Ronaldo, who is currently recuperating from a knee surgery.
“It is a shame, but I think he will never again be what he was before,” Pele said Friday about Ronaldo here.
On the sidelines of a programme where Pele was named an “ambassador” of the prestigious South American tournament Copa Libertadores, he said he had visited Ronaldo when he suffered a similar injury on his right knee in 2000.
“He recovered and played an excellent World Cup in Japan and South Korea in 2002,” Pele said.
However, he stressed that the three-time FIFA Player of the Year will have more trouble getting over his physical problems now.
“It is true medicine made progress, but so did Ronaldo’s age. I would be delighted for him if he returns to 100 percent fitness, but unfortunately I don’t think he will,” Pele said.
The Brazilian football legend also made it clear that he does not agree with the widespread enthusiasm generated by Milan’s Brazilian youngster Alexandre Pato.
Pele admitted that Pato, 18, has some similar characteristics to him, but noted that he is still far from being a star.
“To be a superstar, he will have to improve his headers, which are still not good,” he said.
He also ruled Pato out of the race to become his successor. “There will be no new Pele,” he said confidently.