'I try not to do foolish things'

MADRID: Everybody and his uncle was here for Ronaldo. The new boots and ball launched by Nike was only incidental. Over a hundred journalists from Asia, Australia, Europe and South America received the news of his injury with some trepidation. Would Ronaldo be there for the presentation of these products?
Ronaldo, after keeping all his medical appointments in the morning in Madrid, was certainly not going to miss the Munich date.Unfortunately, the thigh strain did prove a dampener as the Brazilian striker could not take part in a bout of amateurish passing involving football writers of the world.
Sporting a black jacket to beat the winter cold (-2 degrees Celsius), blue jeans and the now-famous goatee, Ronaldo arrived an hour late to nobody's complaint. Speaking in Spanish only, though he seemed to understand English a wee bit, Ronaldo charmed the 100-odd journalists. "I certainly don't feel good," he said. "It's two injuries in a row now. I hope to remain fit and injury-free for the World Cup later this year."
Ronaldo told TOI that if all went well, he hoped to break German Gerd Muller's World Cup record of 14 World Cup goals.
Ronaldo is on 12 goals (8+4 in two World Cups) and is looking for much more than two in the 2006 edition. Perhaps, the 13 that Frenchman Just Fontaine scored in a single World Cup is a target. "Should I be looking at it?" he asked. "Well, nothing would please me more. I'll be proud if it happens in Germany. It'll be historic. If I achieve that and also help Brazil win the World Cup, it'll be the proudest moment of my life. I can't say it's my objective to do it (break Fontaine's record). It certainly is not my priority. But if it happens, I'll be the proudest Brazilian." Ronaldo then went on to answer more questions. Excerpts from the interview:
On the three teams in Brazil's group (Japan, Croatia and Australia): I can't rank them. All of them are tough opponents and all preliminary matches are important. But I believe Japan will be the toughest opponents. Under Zico, they have merged history, football and experience. They are a strong team.
On being a role model for youngsters: I try hard not to do foolish things. I like to keep it simple with a lot of discipline and commitment. Football is a great school and I want to set a perfect example for youngsters.