Former Brazilian superstar sells stake of Real Valladolid and Cruzeiro

Ronaldo Nazario has been one of the greatest strikers of all time. The Brazilian center forward was lethal inside the box and had a prolonged career in football history. Despite his injuries, he scored around 280 goals in 384 appearances in club football and played 98 games for Brazil, scoring 62 goals for the Selecaos. He was the star of the 2002 FIFA World Cup and held the record for scoring 15 goals in the tournament, which was later surpassed by Miroslav Klose.

The 47-year-old striker retired long ago and has owned stakes in the Spanish club named Real Valladolid since 2018. The legend decided to sell his stake in the embattled Brazilian soccer club Cruzeiro on Monday. He took control of the indebted Cruzeiro’s football department in 2021 for about $78 million and is reportedly selling it for almost $117 million. The forward started his career at the Belo Horizonte-based club.

Later on, 'R9' was condemned by fans for failing to invest as much as promised during his appointment at the club. Similar claims were made against him as an owner of Spain's second division club. Fans are also furious about the fact that Nazário’s management has sold players for high numbers but failed to reinvest some of that in their team, as they have been relegated twice since he took over.

Fans unhappy with Ronaldo Nazario

Ronaldo Nazário said in a news conference that he believes the news from the fans has been exaggerated and irrelevant for the former footballer. He also has the confidence that most of the fans in Cruzeiro back him and the team for a return to the national and international circuit once again. Further adding to his comment, he said, "My goal was reached. That was always the idea: to bring Cruzeiro back and, at the right time, give it to the right person."

Pedro Figueiredo is the new owner of Cruzeiro's football department. He is a wealthy and ardent supporter who established one of Brazil's largest supermarket chains. He stated at Monday's news conference that it will take him ten years to repay the club's debt.