European elite reluctant on South American move

Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed that he would like to play in Brazil when his sensational Spanish league career with Real Madrid finally comes to an end.

Los Blancos, 11/4 with Coral to win the Champions League, won their record 10th European Cup last year, thanks massively to Portuguese superstar Ronaldo.

The Ballon d’Or winner, previously of Manchester United, has been linked with a move back to the Premier League, but Ronaldo has declared his desire to play in Brazil before he hangs up his boots.

“Corinthians and Flamengo are two famous clubs, I would gladly dress in one of their shirts,” Ronaldo said. “In Brazil I have many friends, so my relationship with the country is very good. At Real I have passed many Brazilians, with Kaka one of the people I respect most of all.”

Despite the 29-year-old’s comments, there is a distinct lack of European footballers making the move to South America.

A host of world class South American stars have all played in Europe’s top leagues including Kaka, Ronaldinho and Sergio Aguero, although it is a rarity that any Europeans ply their trade in the opposite direction.

The top sides in South American football are losing out on their most prestigious young talent to the European giants, with Brazil star and skipper Neymar a prime example after joining Barcelona, with top European players reluctant to fill the void.

However, there have been names that represent European countries who went on to establish themselves in top-flight divisions across Argentina, Brazil and beyond.

Former AC Milan, Inter Milan and Real Madrid midfielder Clarence Seedorf ended his trophy-laden career with Rio de Janeiro outfit Botafogo last year.

Seedorf won an amazing four Champions League titles with three different clubs during spells across Europe’s top-flight divisions, including Serie A and La Liga, having wore the famous orange of the Netherlands at international level. The arrival of such a high-profile player undoubtedly raised the reputation of Brazil’s highest division, and his links with the country go further, with his wife having been born in Paramaribo.