Ronaldo "worried" about injuries says Cuper

Internazionale coach Hector Cuper says Brazilian striker Ronaldo says injury fears are haunting Ronaldo.

The Argentine coach told Radio Anch'io Sport that the striker fears he may have to retire if he suffers further injury:

"He is worried - he is worried for his future," said Cuper.

"It is a long time since he played - apart from three or four matches almost three years. The problem is that he is not 100 percent fit to play continuously - neither for his national team nor for Inter."

Inter president Massimo Moratti has backed coach Hector Cuper's decision to send striker Ronaldo on international duty.

The Milan club defeated title rivals AS Roma 3-1 last night to stay top of Serie A and Cuper did not select Ronaldo for the game allowing his to fly to Brazil to face Wednesday's friendly with Yugoslavia.

Ronaldo last played for Brazil in October 1999 but lack of match fitness may see him play only a small part against the Yugoslavs.

Moratti told the 'Controcampo' TV programme last night that he had clashed with the CBF over Ronaldo's fitness:

"Ronaldo could have played tonight," said Moratti.

"But Cuper, after talking to him, realised he was not at the right intensity and preferred to send him to Brazil.

"There is no 'Ronaldo-gate' and now we entrust him to Brazil and we have had a bad experience with them. I hope this time all goes well."

Inter wanted Ronaldo to return from fitness training after injury last month from Brazil but hee was advised not to by the national team's medical staff.