RIO DE JANEIRO - BRAZILIAN striker Ronaldo said on Thursday he wanted to excel at new club Corintinans though explained patience would be needed as he got back to match fitness.

The 32-year-old 1994 and 2002 World Cup winner and European footballer of the year in 1997 and 2002 has not played officially this season though appeared in Morocco in a United Nations-organised match in November.

The former Real Madrid forward told television station SporTV: 'I am now setting myself new goals and I want to make the most of this opportunity at Corinthians to excel, and perhaps return to Europe, though this is not a current goal'.

Ronaldo, who seriously injured his left knee in February last year and was out-of-contract with AC Milan in the summer, will be presented by the second division champions on a one-year contract on Friday. No transfer fee has been revealed.

He added that patience would be needed in a 'gradual' comeback.

'It has been nine months since my operation and during my comeback little muscular problems could arise which in themselves may not be serious but which would be painful and could mean I lose two or three weeks.' -- AFP