Ronaldo tests positive for COVID-19, misses a big event

The Brazilian legend missed the 101st anniversary of Cruzeiro after completing a takeover of his boyhood club.

Ronaldo Nazario has tested positive for coronavirus ahead of celebrations for Cruzeiro’s 101st anniversary.

The Brazilian Serie B side confirmed on Sunday morning local time that their new majority shareholder has tested positive for the disease on social media, hours before celebrating their big milestone event in Belo Horizonte.

Cruzeiro reported that Ronaldo has shown mild symptoms and is now resting in isolation.

“Cruzeiro reports that this Sunday morning Ronaldo Nazario tested positive for COVID-19. This makes it impossible for him to go to Belo Horizonte today, as well as his presence in the commemorative actions for the club’s anniversary,” read a statement.

“Ronaldo is doing well, with mild symptoms and, on medical advice, is now in rest and social isolation.”

COMUNICADO

O Cruzeiro comunica que na manhã deste domingo Ronaldo Nazário testou positivo para Covid-19. Com isso fica impossibilitada a sua ida hoje para Belo Horizonte, bem como a presença nas ações comemorativas pelo aniversário do clube. pic.twitter.com/73JB77nLKm

— Cruzeiro 🦊 (@Cruzeiro) January 2, 2022

Ronaldo was the second big name to test positive for COVID-19 at the weekend, after Paris Saint-Germain star Lionel Messi.

The former Real Madrid and Barcelona striker, nicknamed ‘O Fenômeno’ (The Phenomenon), completed a takeover of Cruzeiro last month by purchasing 90% of shares from his boyhood club. The deal was worth 400 million real (€62m/$70m).