Ronaldo to play charity match Thursday, December 21, 2006
Ronaldo and Deco have said they will play in a charity match organized by former player Zico next week in Brazil.
"We talked to Ronaldo and he will participate," Arthur Junior, Zico's son, told the local Agencia Placar news service. "Deco also confirmed and I'm sure we'll have an unforgettable event."
Other players expected to participate in the "Game of the Stars" on Dec. 28 at the Zico Soccer Center in Rio de Janeiro are Robinho, Emerson, Vagner Love and Japan's Hidetoshi Nakata.
Among the players who have been invited but are yet to confirm their participation are Italy's FIFA world player of the year Fabio Cannavaro and France's David Trezeguet, local media reported.
Diego Maradona played last year, but his presence in 2006 was not certain.
To attend the match, fans will have to donate 1 kilogram (2.2 pounds) of nonperishable food, which will be distributed to charitable organizations.
Zico, for years the hero of Brazil's hugely popular Flamengo club, was a standout on the Brazilian national team in the World Cups of 1978, 1982 and 1986.
