'2002 haircut was a media distraction'
Brazil legend Ronaldo revealed his famous 2002 World Cup haircut was a deliberate distraction to shift attention away from a leg injury before the country's fifth title.
Ronaldo dazzled in South Korea and Japan 16 years ago, scoring twice as Brazil defeated Germany 2-0 to be crowned world champions. However, the 2002 showpiece event is best remembered for Ronaldo's unique hairstyle. And the three-time FIFA World Player of the Year provided an insight into his decision to shave his head.
"I had an injury in my leg and everybody was talking about that," Ronaldo said in Melbourne, where he headlined the announcement of Real Madrid's 'World of Football Experience'. "I decided to cut my hair and leave the small thing there. I come to training and everybody saw me with bad hair.
"Everybody was talking about the hair and forgot about the injury. I could stay more calm and relaxed and focused on my training.
"I'm not proud about the hair itself because it was pretty strange. But it was a good way to change the subject."
Brazil are considered favorites for the 2018 World Cup in Russia, as they are for any tournament, but the nation has not seen a World Cup triumph since Ronaldo's heroics in 2002.
In the last World Cup, held in Brazil, the hosts were embarrassed 7-1 by eventual champions Germany.
However, the appointment of Tite since then has changed the mentality of the whole team, and two-time Ballon d'Or winner Ronaldo also recognised the contributions of the coach, saying: "I'm very optimistic about the Brazilian national team. We changed a lot from the last two years ... improved a lot with the new coach.
"A few national teams that always will be there in the finals like Germany, Spain, France. All very strong teams. Let's see. I hope Brazil can win again."
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