Former footballer Ronaldo Luís Nazário de Lima has addressed concerned fans after being taken to intensive care in Ibiza.
The 41-year-old Brazilian player, commonly referred to simply as Ronaldo, was reportedly diagnosed with pneumonia on Friday after being rushed to Can Misses Hospital with severe chest pains.
Just before midnight on the same day, the sporting legend reportedly asked to be transferred to private hospital Clinica Nuestra Señora del Rosario.
Ronaldo, who retired from football back in 2011, owns a property on the Balearic island, where he said to be a regular visitor. He is thought to have landed in Ibiza for a summer holiday a few days before his hospitalisation.
According to local newspaper Diario De Ibiza, Ronaldo is still in intensive care but is continuing to make progress, and ‘evolves favourably’.
Staff at the hospital were reportedly unable to give out any further information on account of data protection reasons.
Many of those from the world of football have taken to social media to give their best wishes to the former striker.
Former England player Rio Ferdinand tweeted:
Just seen the news… hope your ok legend @Ronaldo get well soon!!
Andrew Cesare said:
Ronaldo in hospital in Ibizia with pneumonia. Wishing him a speedy recovery.
Ronaldo is widely regarded to be one of the greatest players in the world, having played for Cruzeiro, PSV Eindhoven, Barcelona, Inter Milan, Real Madrid, AC Milan and Corinthians during his prestigious career.
Showing incredible talent throughout his years on the pitch, Ronaldo was awarded FIFA World Player of the Year award three times, in 1996, 1997, and 2002.
He will perhaps be most admired for his man of the match performance in the 2002 World Cup final, scoring twice as he led his side to a remarkable fifth win.
A prolific goal scorer, Ronaldo racked up 15 World Cup goals, receiving the Golden Boot Award in 2002. Overall, he scored 62 goals during 98 appearances for Brazil, becoming a national hero.
Tweeting to his fans today, Ronaldo thanked them for their supportive messages and assured them ‘everything is in order’.
Much to the relief of football fans worldwide, the sporting hero wrote:
Friends, I had a strong flu picture in Ibiza and I had to be hospitalised on Friday but everything is in order.
Tomorrow I receive the discharge and I return to house.
Thank you all for your love and your messages!
Ronaldo has suffered from health problems in the past, with thyroid problems causing him to gain weight.
Retiring at the age of 34-years-old, Ronaldo opened up about his problems, according to Goal:
Four years ago in Milan I found out that I was suffering from a problem that is called hypothyroidism, a complaint which slows your metabolism, and that to control it I would have to take medication which is considered illegal in football.
A lot of people should feel bad about their comments on my weight: I just wanted to explain that, now that I have reached the end.
Back in January 2012, he suffered from dengue fever, tweeting a picture of himself attached to a drip with the caption, ‘Good morning to all those who began the New Year with dengue.’
UNILAD wishes Ronaldo a full recovery.
If you have a story you want to tell send it to UNILAD via stories@unilad.co.uk
Jules studied English Literature with Creative Writing at Lancaster University before earning her masters in International Relations at Leiden University in The Netherlands (Hoi!). She then trained as a journalist through News Associates in Manchester. Jules has previously worked as a mental health blogger, copywriter and freelancer for various publications.