Ronaldo showed strong signs on Thursday that he was getting closer to his return to soccer.

The main attraction of Corinthians made his first appearance on the pitch - in a practice game against the club's under-17 team, and scored two goals.

The former World Player of the Year is expected to play several other practice matches as the management of Corinthians want to gauge his fitness.

There was speculation that Ronaldo would make his debut in a Corinthians uniform in March.

(Xinhua News Agency Feburary 13, 2009)