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Under-fire Ronaldo goes into hiding

Ronaldo went into hiding on Tuesday after a run-in with cross-dressing prostitutes that prompted police to investigate whether to charge one of them with trying to extort money from the three-time Fifa Player of the Year.

  • AP
  • Published: 00:45 May 1, 2008
  • Gulf News

Sao Paulo, Brazil: Ronaldo went into hiding on Tuesday after a run-in with cross-dressing prostitutes that prompted police to investigate whether to charge one of them with trying to extort money from the three-time Fifa Player of the Year.

He cancelled two TV appearances and local media said he will continue physiotherapy at his home.

Police said Ronaldo committed no crime, but he was accused by one prostitute of using drugs and not wanting to pay.

Prostitution is legal in Brazil.

"It is necessary to clarify that no formal accusations were made against Ronaldo," read a statement on the player's Web site.

"An advocate of social causes, Ronaldo has never used drugs and has always been admired by children in Brazil and around the world. There are indications of an extortion attempt in which the Milan striker is the only victim."

The statement added that Ronaldo may take legal action if necessary.

The Associated Press e-mailed Ronaldo's spokesman Tuesday seeking further comment but did not receive an immediate response.

Ronaldo told police he knew they were prostitutes but did not realise they were cross-dressers until getting to a motel.

That is where Ronaldo says one of them tried to extort money from him to hide the story from the media.

Local media said the player may face further questioning by police next week.

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