The European champions are thought to have paid in the region of �22m to �28.5m for the World Cup's leading goalscorer.

And for the 25-year-old it marked the latest chapter in an already tumultuous career.

The buck-toothed Brazilian made his name as a 16-year-old at Brazilian club Cruzeiro, before being lured to Europe by Bobby Robson at PSV Eindhoven.

In just 46 league games he scored 42 goals, bringing him to the attention of all the top clubs across the continent.

In the end, it was Spanish club Barcelona who won the race for his signature and, in his only season there, he found the target on 47 occasions in all competitions.

The awards flooded in - he was named Fifa player of the year in 1996 and 1997.

And the adulation continued in what looked set to be his best season in the sport - following his move to Inter ahead of the 1997/8 campaign.

And the Brazilian did not disappoint - he was an ever-present in the Serie A side and at his predatory best in front of goal.

Praise rained down on Ronaldo at France '98 and, after coasting into the final against the hosts, he was set for the perfect end-of-season finale.

What happened from there still remains a mystery, as he was struck down by some sort of fit and played the match in a daze, a shadow of his former self.

The World Cup eluded the Brazilians and Ronaldo was equally elusive when questioned about the state of his health both before and after the game.

From there his career nosedived.

Two major knee injuries and a series of operations crippled the striker and his appearances were severely limited for Inter.

His lowest point saw him ruled out for the entire 2000/1 season.

His recovery, though, was remarkable and timed to perfection.

He returned to full fitness and form ahead of the 2002 World Cup and the old Ronaldo was sparked back into life.

In Japan and Korea he walked away with the golden boot for his eight goals, two of which came in the final, and the World Cup trophy itself.

In the true style of a world-class international, he promptly announced he was fed up with life in Milan and professed his intention to move to the current European champions.

Still an injury-prone player, Ronaldo is all too aware he can spiral back into a slump.

Equally, though, Europe's top defences are all too aware of his striking calibre.