Milan hitman Ronaldo has given the full version of events that led to a sex scandal involving three transvestite prostitutes.
The 31-year-old severed a tendon in his knee in February, but has made an encouraging recovery so far.
However, the former Selecao star’s reputation has been severely damaged by Press reports that he spent the night with three transvestite prostitutes in Rio De Janeiro.
Even though it has now been confirmed that Ronnie was the victim of an extortion attempt and that original reports he had taken drugs were false, the controversy has taken its toll.
“What happened with the transvestites was the worst thing that has ever happened to me,” he said in an interview with Spanish newspaper AS.
“It was my mistake and I think about it every day. It caused me a lot of personal pain, but it hasn’t changed my desire to play again.
“The true story is that I went to dinner with some friends. We left the restaurant at 4.30am and I did something stupid.
“I’d had an argument with my girlfriend and I was sad, so I was thinking lots. A girl came up to my car and I accepted her services.
“We went to a motel and she called some friends. When they arrived I realised that they weren’t women, but men, transvestites. And then I told them that I had changed my mind.
“I didn’t want to go any further because they weren’t women and they demanded £24,000 or else they would go to the Press.
“But they asked me for more money. I started to negotiate with them because I didn’t want any trouble.
“So they went to the police station and made up lies about me to profit from the situation because I am famous.
“I don’t normally go to prostitutes and I want people to know that. I have always had a girlfriend and I don’t need that kind of service.
“I am heterosexual. I have no problem with homosexuals, but I like women.
I have never taken drugs - I am a sportsman.
“My girlfriend didn’t take it well. She was very angry with me and we argued, but afterwards she gave her support.
“It has been a tough thing for me and also for her. I think that she is also pregnant, but we will wait for the first few months to see if everything goes well.
“I understand that some people may have lost a little respect for me, but I have done a lot for football, for sport and for my country.
“We all make mistakes and I have learned a lot from this experience. I did something stupid and I regret it more each day, but when I return to the pitch and score again everyone will forget it,” he concluded.
Ronaldo has admitted that his dream is to play for Flamengo when he is fully fit and looks increasingly unlikely to ever wear the Milan shirt again.
