Rio de Janeiro - Ronaldo made his long-awaited return to competitive football Wednesday, making a second-half appearance as a substitute for Brazilian side Corinthians in a cup match against Itumbria.

Three-time world footballer of the year Ronaldo failed to get on the scoresheet after coming on in the 68th minute but saw his side win 2-0.

The 32-year-old striker has been out of action since undergoing knee surgery on his left knee to cure an injury he picked up while playing for AC Milan in February 2008.

Ronaldo was surrounded by dozens of reporters and autograph hunters as he made his way back to the dressing room and was even hit in his right eye by a microphone.

His return received muted reviews in the Brazilian media with UOL Esporte calling it an "average" comeback.

Others were even less generous, with the Folha de Sao Paulo daily saying on Thursday: "He appeared to be very slowly and looked totally exhausted at the end."

Corinthians coach Mano Menezes, meanwhile, said he was delighted to have Ronaldo back available for selection.

"That was a good debut," he said. "Ronaldo moved well and even showed some of his typical dribbling skills. It's important that he finds his rhythm."

Menezes refused to confirm if Ronaldo would start Sunday's derby match against Palmeiras for the Sao Paolo regional championship, saying he would "first talk to him and see how he feels."

Ronaldo suffered knee ligament damage on February 13, 2008, during Milan's clash with AS Livorno, the third serious knee injury of his career.

Last December, he ended a 14-year stint in Europe where he played with PSV Eindhoven, Barcelona, Inter Milan, Real Madrid and AC Milan, signing a one-year deal with Corinthians.

However, Ronaldo has made more headlines off the pitch in recent months because of his colourful private life.

A row with three transvestites saw him end up in a police station while on Christmas Eve his girlfriend Maria Antony gave birth to their daughter only for the couple to split up a couple of weeks later.

Since then Ronaldo has been photographed on numerous occasions in the company of other women. (dpa)