Ronaldo is a legendary football player who once held the record for the most goals scored in the World Cup finals. (Photo : Wikimedia)
On Monday, Brazilian football legend Ronaldo Nazario revealed his plans to open a football school in Beijing, according to a report by China Daily.
"I'm ready to help China realize its football dream. I think China can be a major player on the world stage one day," Ronaldo said in front of hundreds of fans and members of the press at Beijing Workers' Stadium.
Ronaldo once held the record for the most goals scored in the World Cup finals.
The "Ronaldo Academy" will train students from ages 6 to 18 years old in football skills as well as general education.
According to a statement given to the media, Ronaldo's academy aims to "help kids from poor families" to reach their football dreams. The academy aims to join forces with China Children and Teenagers' Fund so that no less than 10 percent of its students come from underprivileged families.
Ronaldo is currently in the middle of a China tour, with Beijing as the second stop. On Sunday, he was in Mianyang, Sichuan Province.
Paulo Swerts, who will manage Ronaldo's football schools, said that the first three school will be in Beijing, Shanghai and Mianyang,
According to the plan, the schools will be open for students starting in December.
Swerts said that there are also plans to provide 30 schools in China with coaching staff.
Ronaldo is one of several football stars to help China in its quest for national football glory.
English football player David Beckham was named an ambassador for the youth football program of China and the Chinese Super League in 2013.
