The first question put to the World-Cup winner was, unsurprisingly, whether he might play any games for the club, and Ronaldo confirmed he would like to be involved if he can.

The ex-striker, who hung up his boots four years ago, said in English: “That is not easy because I love to play, I love soccer, that is what’s been all my life. My big love is soccer and when I retired, stopped playing, it was because of my body. I had so much pain, so many injuries, that’s why I stopped.

“It’s easy to get into shape, you have to train – just that, but to play a soccer game you have to be in very good shape.

“I will try. For myself, it’s another challenge, I’m sure it will help the league, it will help the team and you have the soccer in America...so I will try, I will train a lot. And if the trainer (manager) needs me I will be (there) . Maybe. I will train to play some matches, especially if we will get into the final again.”

He reiterated: “So I hope so. I will train a lot, but our goal is to make the sure the Strikers is going to be bigger.”