Moratti hails returning Ronaldo
Thursday, December 20, 2001
Article summary
Internazionale FC president Massimo Moratti believes Ronaldo has returned from injury better than ever.
Article body
Ronaldo's two goals in Internazionale FC's 3-0 win over Hellas-Verona FC in Serie A prove he has returned better than ever, according to Massimo Moratti, the Italian club's president.
'Goal was exceptional'
Moratti, like everyone at Inter, has had a long wait to see the Brazilian's fearsome talent unleashed again after two years of injury anguish. "The Phenomenon has returned, the player we know, a fantastic player and his second goal was exceptional," said Moratti. "It brought back the memories for me and he has exploded all my hopes. When Ronaldo plays in that manner, it encourages the entire squad. Psychologically he is very important."
Cúper delighted
Coach Héctor Cúper, who watched his side regain the lead in Serie A, was also delighted with Ronaldo's performance. "I'm very happy with what he's done and his talents are notable. Ronaldo is important for the squad when he shows he is at a strong level individually.
'Always had faith'
"He's scored three goals since his return now and that can only make him happy. I have always had faith in him. He could have played earlier than he did but I didn't think he was ready but now he has returned and must take all the plaudits."
Paying dividends
Wednesday's win was the first time Ronaldo had scored twice in a game since May 1999. His partnership with Christian Vieri - scorer of the first goal against Verona on Wednesday - is finally paying dividends for Inter, who invested €85.7m in bringing together two of the most potent strikers in the game.
Goalscoring records
Vieri, who also looks back to full fitness after his achilles tendon injury, has now scored nine goals in his last five outings. Ronaldo, who scored his first goal in over two years against Brescia Calcio on 10 December, has now scored 45 goals in 62 Serie A games.
A point clear
Inter lead Serie A by a point from champions AS Roma. Third-placed AC Chievo Verona, whose game against S.S. Lazio on Wednesday was called off because of a frozen pitch, are a point further back with a game in hand.
