Ronaldo ready to return to action

Ronaldo will make his long awaited comeback from injury in a friendly game for Inter Milan on Sunday.

The Brazilian, who has not played since he suffered a knee injury in April 2000, told Inter's official website that he would be in the starting line-up to face Nigerian champions Enyimba at the San Siro stadium.

"I will probably play from the first minute against Enyimba. I believe I will be playing in the championship within two weeks. The physical recovery period is finished now and I am working to be ready for a full 90 minutes," said Ronaldo.

Inter begin their Serie A campaign against Perugia on August 26.

Sunday's game is being promoted as 'Ronaldo Day' by Inter, with proceeds from ticket sales going to the United Nations campaign against child poverty for which the Brazilian acts as a 'goodwill ambassador'.

"I cannot think of a better way to start the season than with two great motivations. Firstly there is football which is my passion and then there is my responsibility as a goodwill ambassador for the UN, in the service of the fight against poverty," said Ronaldo.

The former Barcelona striker has been out of action since he ruptured his right knee in the Italian Cup final against Lazio 16 months ago.

After missing all of last season, the striker has taken a full part in Inter's pre-season training but has not played in any of the warm-up games.

He was expected to make his comeback in a game against English first division club Watford last month but missed out due to a slight muscle strain.