Ronaldo promises successful World Cup

Former star Ronaldo has claimed Brazil are ‘working really hard’ to ensure the 2014 World Cup will be the best ever.

The 36-year-old former striker, who was capped 98 times for Brazil and has scored the most goals of any player at World Cups, is looking forward to his country proving they can host big sporting events.

With the Olympics set to be held in Rio de Janeiro in 2016 and with Brazil having last hosted the World Cup in 1950, a successful tournament would be huge for the South American country’s collective confidence.

“We are working really hard to make this the best World Cup of all time,” Ronaldo said.

“We are ready and confident to show the world that we can also organize great sporting events.”

Ronaldo scored 15 goals across three separate World Cups and won the tournament once in 2002.

The former Barcelona, Inter Milan and Real Madrid striker, who also had spells with PSV Eindhoven and AC Milan, hopes his country can win their sixth world title on home soil in two years time and believes Neymar will be crucial to Brazil’s hopes.

But Ronaldo wants the 20-year-old attacker to leave Santos in Brazil and test himself in Europe and reach his full potential.

“I would advise him to come to Europe as soon as possible,” Ronaldo said.

“He will become the best player in the world but only if he comes to Europe.”

Ronaldo made his professional debut with Cruzeiro in 1993, returning to Brazil with Corinthians in 2009 and finishing his career there two years later.