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[Awards Review]
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▶ Painkilling injections caused Ronaldo's convulsions: report
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[2002/01/15 ]
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RIO DE JANEIRO, Jan 13 (AFP) - Ronaldo's convulsions hours before the 1998 World Cup final were caused by a painkilling injection, sports journal Lance reported here on Sunday.
According to Lance, who claim they are sure of their story though it is from a second-hand source, the Brazilian striker received an injection of painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs in his right knee just seven hours before the final with France.
Lance reported: "The secret, which had been kept for four years, has been revealed by someone who heard the story from the player himself, and, for reasons which are not important, had no option but to tell all."
Ronaldo had apparently received seven previous injections during those finals but it was the eighth which had a devastating effect. Though he suffered convulsions just hours before kick-off, a well under par Ronaldo played the full 90 minutes.
The player had kept the events to himself, the journal added, to protect team doctor Lidio Toledo.
Edmundo had initially been picked to play alongside Bebeto in the final, but, after a dressing room argument, Brazilian football federation official Ricardo Teixeira, concerned at the implications for their sponsors, allegedly insisted the 1996 and 1997 FIFA World Player of the Year start the match.
Ronaldo played one of his worst ever matches for Brazil and the whole team, clearly not prepared for the match psychologically, were well under par as they lost 3-0. |
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