Ronaldo hails BBC World Service

Ronaldo is one of the world's highest paid footballers

In honour of BBC World Service's 70th birthday celebrations, Brazil football hero Ronaldo has paid tribute to the international broadcaster.

Ronaldo, who was the top scorer at the 2002 World Cup with eight goals, said: "BBC World Service has provided the correct information through all these years."

Praising its success, one world player said of the other: "It is a fantastic service of information that has great responsibility, that reaches the whole world."

Golden Boot

Ronaldo told how lifting the trophy earlier this year was an "important conquest"

Speaking to the BBC's Sportsworld programme, Ronaldo also commented on his own triumphs.

Reflecting on his World Cup success, which included two goals against Germany in the final, he explained how lifting the trophy earlier this year was an "important conquest" both for himself and for the people of Brazil.

"To reach a World Cup, which is the most important competition on the planet; to take part in it, and to be the top scorer, that was a very important victory, a very happy one."

Expressing his hopes for the future of his homeland, the World Cup Golden Boot winner added: "Brazil is developing a lot. I think we have a brilliant future, an important future ahead of us... and I think football plays an important role in society."

Inspiration

As a child, growing up in Rio de Janeiro, Ronaldo told how the former Brazilian player, Zico, had inspired him.

"We try to provide good examples, positive messages in order to make the world a happier place"

Ronaldo

"I had him as a great role model, as an example in my life. Zico was always a great player and a great person and the one which inspired me be a football player."

Now, determined to be a positive role model himself, he explained how through his charity work he hopes to mobilise the rich to help end world poverty.

"We try to provide good examples, positive messages in order to make the world a happier place and to solve the problems that still affect the whole world."

"Spoilt"

Ronaldo's World Cup success followed a two-year break from the pitch due to a knee injury.

During this time, whilst his physical fitness was of paramount importance, he explained how he was also able to reflect on the state of his play.

"I like to watch the tapes of my games and I analyse myself, criticise and make compliments about my own performances.

"I try to see what I can do to get better, what I did wrong. I've done this over the last years, and I have improved a lot by doing it."

Ronaldo had a two-year break because a knee injury

Following accusations that he was a "spoilt" player, earlier this year Ronaldo courted controversy when he joined Real Madrid from Inter Milan.

One local journalist has since released a book about the player entitled The Ungrateful King.

In answer to his critics, Ronaldo said: "I was always extremely dedicated, and was responsible with Inter and so was Inter with me.

"Unfortunately, a very beautiful story came to an end, and that's it. I don't see any lack of gratitude coming from any of the sides involved."