Brazilian membership Cruzeiro promoted after Ronaldo’s funding

SAO PAULO (AP) — Lower than yr after former Brazil nice Ronaldo obtained concerned with the membership, Cruzeiro has made it again into the nation’s high soccer league.

The Brazilian group clinched a top-four spot within the second division on Wednesday by beating Vasco da Gama 3-0 on the Mineirao Stadium. The highest 4 groups within the league will all play within the first division subsequent season.

“That is the icing on our cake. We labored so much to deserve this,” Ronaldo instructed SporTV. “We are going to have a good time for just a few days after which take into consideration subsequent yr.”

The membership, which is predicated in Belo Horizonte, was relegated in 2019 following a profitable run over the past decade that included profitable two of its 4 league titles in historical past. However then got here a large monetary disaster, which police later mentioned was fostered by the mismanagement of former executives. Analysts say Cruzeiro was at one time about 1 billion Brazilian reals (about $200 million) in debt.

Ronaldo, who gained the World Cup with Brazil in 2002 and beforehand held the file for many targets scored on the match with 15, introduced in December he had purchased Cruzeiro’s soccer division. The transfer got here after a brand new legislation was handed to foster funding in Brazilian soccer.

Native media reported that Ronaldo purchased 90% of the shares for about 400 million Brazilian reals ($78 million).

Ronaldo quickly promised dramatic adjustments within the membership’s administration and a return to the highest league. He signed little recognized gamers and minimize bills to get Cruzeiro afloat.

Ronaldo can also be an government at Spanish membership Valladolid, which was not too long ago promoted as nicely.

“We’re each in first division,” the Spanish membership wrote on Twitter in congratulating Cruzeiro.

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