Thirty-three-year-old striker Ronaldo extended his contract with Corinthians yesterday and plans to play two more seasons before putting an end to a successful career of more than 17 years. - File

SAO PAULO (AP)

Former world player of the year Ronaldo says he will retire after the 2011 season.

The 33-year-old Brazilian striker extended his contract with Corinthians on Monday and said he plans to play two more seasons before putting an end to a successful career of more than 17 years.

mind made up

"I've already made up my mind, these will be my last two years," Ronaldo said. "I'll give my best and I'm hoping to have some fun and win many significant titles."

Ronaldo said that after retiring he will become an ambassador for Corinthians, Brazil's second most popular club behind Flamengo. He said one of his main goals is to help Corinthians win the Copa Libertadores, the only major competition the club is yet to win in its 100-year history.

"We have very passionate fans and every day I'm more in love with this club," he said.

Ronaldo won the FIFA player of the year award in 1996, 1997 and 2002 and spent 15 years in European football, before returning to Corinthians in the beginning of 2009 to recover from the third serious knee injury of his career.

He won the World Cup in 1994 and 2002, and remains hopeful of playing in one final World Cup with Brazil, before retiring.

"This upcoming World Cup is still a possibility for me," said Ronaldo, the all-time leading scorer in World Cup finals with 15 goals. "But for 2014 it's impossible, time goes by for everyone."

not called

Ronaldo scored 62 goals in 97 internationals with Brazil, but he has not been called to the national team since the 2006 World Cup, when Brazil lost to France in the quarterfinals. The striker also played in the 1998 World Cup, when Brazil lost to the French in the final.

Ronaldo played most of his career in Europe with PSV Eindhoven, Barcelona, Inter Milan, Real Madrid and AC Milan. He returned to Brazil after being released by AC Milan in 2008, following an injury to his left knee.

Ronaldo has played sparingly with Corinthians this year and is preparing for the team's debut in the Copa Libertadores tomorrow against Uruguay's Racing, in Sao Paulo.