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Football icon Ronaldo reveals there was more behind THAT haircut at the 2002 World Cup

Football icon Ronaldo reveals there was more behind THAT haircut at the 2002 World Cup

With millions aross the planet watching, the World Cup is the perfect opportunity to make a name for yourself as a footballer.

But some also use the tournament to sport an iconic haircut and we have seen some classics over the years.

From Bobby Charlton’s comb over swirling all over the shop as he helped England to a World Cup triumph in 1966 to Carlos Valderrama’s truly majestic blonde afro at France 98, we've seen it all. 

And who can forget former Brazilian striker Ronaldo’s somewhat questionable lid at the 2002 World Cup?

But The Sun reported how Ronaldo revealed that the haircut was actually a ploy to distract the media attention from a leg injury he was carrying.

It certainly had the desired effect as the striker netted eight goals in the tournament including two goals in the final where Brazil ran out 2-0 winners over Germany.

He added that he didn’t like the bizarre trim but said it was important in ensuring his World Cup would not have a hairy moment!

Ronaldo 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 came 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.”

The current Brazil team go into the finals in Russia in a group with Switzerland, Serbia and Costa Roca and are one of the favourites to go all the way.

And Ronaldo said he was very optimistic about the national teams’ chances at Russia 2018. 

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.”

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