Soccer: Ronaldo wants to play in England

Brazil striker Ronaldo, who is preparing to face England in tomorrow's World Cup soccer quarterfinal, wants to play in the English premier league one day.

"I still have this thing in me about wanting to play in England," Ronaldo was quoted as saying in Britain's Daily Express newspaper today.

"The premiership offers a wonderful style of football. I believe the English league has more flair than those in Italy or Spain.

"The (England) international side is also developing well. They are now doing great things and have world-class players," Ronaldo said.

"I have admired how (England captain) David Beckham has handled the pressure which has been placed on him both on and off the pitch."

Ronaldo said tomorrow's match should be fun to watch for the fans.

"If I was a supporter I would really be looking forward to this game between England and Brazil," he said.

"Playing in the World Cup is the ultimate thing and we as a team are going to give everything.

"For Brazil it's always a big thing playing against England. I am positive about facing England. We are not afraid but we have respect for them. It's dangerous to be arrogant.

"If you are going to be world champions then you have to live with the pressure that goes with it. We know that success against England can help us move towards our dream of holding the World Cup once again."

- REUTERS

nzherald.co.nz/fifaworldcup

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