Brazil icon Ronaldo embarks on 500km bike ride to fulfil promise after Valladolid’s LaLiga promotion

Legendary Brazil Striker Ronaldo has set off on a gruelling bike ride from the Spanish City of Valladolid to Santiago de Compostela on Sunday as a promise he made if his club secured promotion back into La Liga.

The former Real Madrid and Inter Milan striker purchased a 51% stake in the newly promoted side in 2018 and has kept to a promise he made when the club were relegated from La Liga at the end of last season.

‘I promised that if we came back (to La Liga), I would do the Camino de Santiago,’ said the 45-year-old Brazilian.

Ronaldo braced himself for the gruelling trip from Valladolid’s stadium on Sunday

The Brazilian legend will travel short distances each day until he reaches his destination

‘I will do it by bike as I can’t run. My wife and I will leave from Valladolid on Sunday and travel to Santiago de Compostela by bicycle.’

Ronaldo and his wife had planned to complete the route by covering several dozen kilometers each day until they reach their final destination.

They began the trip at Valladolid’s Estadio José Zorrilla stadium – a total of 500km from Santiago de Compostela – and despite the distance, Ronaldo admitted he was excited to be doing the ride.

‘It will be beautiful,’ he told Spanish media. ‘I know that I will suffer physically but it will be an unforgettable experience.’

Ronaldo was twice a World Cup winner with Brazil in 1994 and in 2002

Ronaldo retired from football in 2011 after a glittering career where he represented Real Madrid, Barcelona, Inter Milan and AC Milan winning one La Liga title, the UEFA Cup and the Cup Winners’ Cup.

He was capped by Brazil 98 times, scoring 62 goals and picked up two World Cup winners medals in 1994 and 2002.

Ronaldo was the recipient of two Ballon d’Or awards in 1997 and 2002 and has a controlling stake in Brazilian club Cruzeiro, with whom he began his career in 1993.