Brazil legend Ronaldo buys stake in US outfit

Ronaldo Nazario

Rio de Janeiro, Dec 12 (IANS) Brazil's soccer great Ronaldo has become a part-owner of US football outfit Fort Lauderdale Strikers.

The two-time World Cup winner Thursday said he hoped his involvement would help turn the club into a "global powerhouse", reports Xinhua.

"There are no doubts that the beautiful game is growing exponentially in the US, and I guarantee you that the North American Soccer League will play a key role in the rise of professional football here," the 38-year-old told ProSoccerTalk.

The Strikers, whose former players include George Best, Gordon Banks and Gerd Muller, play in US football's second tier.

Thursday's announcement comes less than a month before Brazilian side Corinthians use Fort Lauderdale's facilities for a pre-season camp.

The Sao Paulo outfit will train at the Strikers base from Jan 7 to 13 before taking part in the Florida Cup, also involving Fluminense, Bayer Leverkusen and FC Koln.