Former Brazilian footballer Ronaldo "will open 30 football schools in China," the three-time FIFA World Player of the Year said on Tuesday, as China continues with "ambitious reforms aimed at making themselves world beaters," according to Patrick Johnston of REUTERS. Xinhua news reported the franchises will "mainly be located in Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen," with the former Barcelona, Real Madrid and Inter Milan striker expected to be present "when the first opens in the Chinese capital in November." The move comes as Chinese President Xi Jinping, "a football fan who is pushing for the country to host the World Cup finals one day," attempts to "resurrect the image of the sport at home" after years of corruption. Ronaldo: "Besides business factor, the major reason for me to open football schools in China is because there are lots of football fans and players in the country, and the Chinese government and civil organization also focus on football development." He added, "I hope my method of football training could help develop Chinese football. I think Chinese football has the mass base and determination, but it may still lack the proper concept and training method" (REUTERS, 9/29).
