SAO PAULO: Double World Cup winner Ronaldo said on Monday he would retire from professional football at the end of next year but still had hopes of appearing for Brazil at the World Cup finals in South Africa in June.

The 33-year-old three-times world footballer of the year - widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time - told a media conference in Sao Paolo he was finally calling time on his illustrious but injury-hit career.

Currently playing for Corinthians in Sao Paolo, the player known as 'El Fenomeno' during his prime said he had agreed with the club to play until the end of 2011.