SAO PAULO (Brazil) - RONALDO trained for the first time with Corinthians on Friday, a fortnight after signing a one-year contract with Brazil's most popular club.

The 32-year-old Ronaldo, trying to come back from a major knee injury this year, did not take to the field with the other players.

Instead, he worked out for several hours inside the team's gym - out of sight from the nearly 500 fans who hoped to see him practice outside.

The three-time world player of the year showed up at the gym without the team's uniform, but when he saw the army of photographers awaiting him, he retreated back into the dressing room to re-emerge minutes later, wearing the uniform.

Ronaldo ruptured a tendon in his left knee while playing for AC Milan in February, the third major knee injury of his career.

This month he signed a one-year deal with Corinthians with a one-year option and an opt-out clause for any time.

Corinthians' first game of the new season was not until Jan 21 at home against Barueri. -- AP