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Brazil icon Ronaldo has opened up about his struggles post-retirement revealing that he suffered with ‘severe depression’ and ‘gained a lot of weight’ as a result.
Ronaldo retired from football aged 34 in 2011, ending a glittering career.
During a trophy-laden 18-year, the striker won the World Cup twice in 1994 and 2002 – finishing as top scorer with eight goals in the latter.
Despite all of his success, Ronaldo has revealed the emptiness he felt in his life when he hung up his boots and how it took its toll on his personal life.
‘When you decide to leave the game, it feels like someone close to you has died,’ the 49-year-old told the Futebol Legends Talks podcast.
‘I suffered from severe depression, I gained a lot of weight. It was very difficult to leave football.
Ronaldo has revealed he suffered with depression and weight gain after retiring from football
Speaking about both situations, Ronaldo said retiring from football was like ‘someone died’
During his glittering career, he won the World Cup twice with Brazil in 1994 and 2002 (picture)
‘The idea of not playing anymore was devastating.’
Since those struggles, the two-time Ballon d’Or winner has found a way to move on but admitted it took some time.
‘Then you realise there are other things in life that you can do, you can reinvent yourself, but the idea of not competing stayed with me for a long time,’ he added.
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