Cancer hospital nets Ronaldo's gift

Ronaldo pledged future donations from his winnings

Brazil's soccer hero Ronaldo has visited a cancer hospital in Rio de Janeiro to donate part of the money he won when his team lifted the World Cup this year.

I feel motivated to know that playing soccer I can help to make these children happy, those who have a health problem or some other problem

Ronaldo

Ronaldo, accompanied by his wife and two-year-old son Ronald, arrived at the National Cancer Institute to hand over $35,000 (£22,500) of the $150,000 he received as reward for his participation in the World Cup, played in South Korea and Japan in June.

Ronaldo also announced that another portion of his winnings would be donated to a second hospital, although he had not yet decided how much or the beneficiary.

The striker said that from now on all the income he received at soccer championships would go to hospitals in different parts of the country.

The star forward signed autographs and spent several hours with about a dozen children being treated at the hospital.

Striker's defence

Ronaldo's visit came as he found himself in the middle of a slanging match with his national coach Luiz Felipe Scolari.

Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari attacked Ronaldo and Pele

Ronaldo, defended himself against comments by the coach that he was a ''spoilt'' player who had to be taught how to play for the team.

"I think he's wrong," Ronaldo said. "My son is spoilt but his father is not. I still think it's more difficult for people to handle victories than to handle defeats."

Scolari has also rounded on Brazil's greatest player, Pele, saying he knows nothing about football.