'We will have a special ceremony to mark the occasion'
Superstar striker Ronaldo is confirmed to make his 100th appearance for Brazil in next month's Carlsberg Cup and Hong Kong fans will be treated to samba soccer at its finest, promised organisers.
The 28-year-old Real Madrid forward, who has made at least three previous visits to the SAR - once being his much-publicised trip with the Spanish giants two years ago and two other times on promotional business - is set to complete a century of internationals when Brazil take on the Hong Kong national team on February 9, the first day of the Chinese New Year, kicking off at 5pm.
The Brazilian Soccer federation has assured Hong Kong organisers the three-times World Footballer of the Year would take his place in a full-strength squad for what will be a landmark occasion for both Ronaldo and Brazil. And Hong Kong Stadium will be the venue where Ronaldo will put on a Brazilian jersey again - five days before he is due to marry MTV host Daniella Cicarelli on Valentine's Day.
Ronaldo separated from wife Milene in 2003 after four years of marriage. They have a three-year-old son named Ronald. The hero of World Cup 2002 plans to have a lavish reception in 17th century Chantilly Chateau near Paris. Before he walks down the aisle again, the World Cup winner will parade his explosive skills in front of an expected capacity crowd of 40,000 at Hong Kong Stadium.
'The Brazilian soccer federation has told us that Ronaldo would indeed come to Hong Kong for the game and he will be celebrating his 100th cap. It's a very special moment for Ronaldo and for Hong Kong fans. Before the match, we will have a special ceremony to mark the occasion,' said Paul Kam, managing director of ProEvents, the promoters of the event.
The Brazilian line-up for the Hong Kong match will not be confirmed until 48 hours before kick-off, but Hong Kong organisers are already heralding it as the biggest soccer match ever to be played in the SAR.
