Inter Milan's Brazilian soccer striker Ronaldo said he felt ready to return to Serie A action against Parma on Sunday after his lengthy absence because of a serious knee injury.
Ronaldo, who will turn 25 on September 22, missed the whole of last season due to the injury. He has taken a full part in Inter's pre-season training and played in a friendly against France's Bastia last Friday, scoring twice in a 4-2 win.
But he has not played in a senior competitive match since rupturing his right knee in the Italian Cup final against Lazio 17 months ago.
"I am at the coach's disposal and I hope he will call me on Sunday," Ronaldo told RAI television. But the striker said fans should be patient because it would take him some time to return to be the great player he was before the injury.
"I would wait before saying that I am back in best form. I first need to play a few games in the championship.
"It is clear that we must be patient and understand that after such a long absence I could play badly," he said. Inter's line-up for Sunday's match against Parma will be announced on Friday.
Ronaldo said he would also like to play in Brazil's World Cup qualifier against Chile on October 7, but Inter came first. "The call-up has not come yet but I would like to be available for that game, but I must play for Inter first," he said.