Brazil legend Ronaldo reveals bizarre 2002 World Cup haircut was to take attention away from leg injury
The 41-year-old netted twice in the final against Germany in 2002, as the Selecao claimed their fifth World Cup
RONALDO may have netted eight times for Brazil at the 2002 World Cup, but his infamous hair cut from the tournament is still talked about today.
And the 41-year-old has lifted the lid on the real reason behind the bizarre style, claiming it was to distract media attention away from his leg injury.
Ronaldo fired the Selecao to an unprecedented fifth World Cup in 2002 - netting twice in the final against Germany past legendary goalkeeper Oliver Kahn.
And even though his haircut has cemented its place in football folklore, the former Barcelona and Real Madrid striker has revealed he isn't proud of the iconic trim.
The two-time Ballon d'Or winner said: "I had an injury in my leg and everybody was talking about that.
"I decided to cut my hair and leave the small thing there. I come to training and everybody saw me with bad hair.
"Everybody was talking about the hair and forgot about the injury. I could stay more calm and relaxed and focused on my training.
"I'm not proud about the hair itself because it was pretty strange. But it was a good way to change the subject."
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Brazil go into the World Cup in Russia as one of the favourites, with the likes of Neymar, Philippe Coutinho, Roberto Firmino and Gabriel Jesus all expected to shine.
And Ronaldo - who banged in 62 goals in 98 games for the Canarinho - believes Tite's side are more than capable of producing another triumph.
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He added: "A few national teams that always will be there in the finals like Germany, Spain, France. All very strong teams. Let's see. I hope Brazil can win again.
"I'm very optimistic about the Brazilian national team. We changed a lot from the last two years... improved a lot with the new coach.
"We have Renato Augusto who plays in China and for the national team. [Where they play] is not the problem.
"Hulk has been a lot with Tite and I think football right now is more global than ever."
Brazil face Russia in a friendly on Friday, before taking on World Cup holders Germany in Berlin on Tuesday evening.