Brazilian football legend Ronaldo Louis Nazario de Lima, known as Ronaldo or more informally the ‘Original’ Ronaldo since the rise of Cristiano, has become the majority shareholder of Spanish La Liga side Real Valladolid.
Ronaldo purchased 51% of shares in the club from current President Carlos Suárez for €30m.
Despite becoming majority shareholder, the legendary no.9 is not becoming President of the club, leaving Súarez to continue in the role. He would instead become chairman of the club’s board of directors.
A prolific striker in his day, Ronaldo has transitioned to being a sports executive since retiring. He already owns shares in motorsport group A1 Team Brazil, sports marketing firm 9INE and North American Soccer League club Fort Lauderdale Strikers.
Speaking at his unveiling Monday, Ronaldo said: “We want Real Valladolid to consolidate in the top flight and keep building hopes from there. It will not stop there because we want to grow to where our hopes allow us to.”
Club President Suárez said: “The arrival of Ronaldo puts Valladolid on the map and will allow the club to take a leap forward in quality. I welcome him to his home.”
Valladolid only returned to La Liga this year after spending four years in the second division. They currently have 2 points after drawing two and losing one of their three games so far.
Source: GhanaCelebrities.Com