( dpa )- Brazilian football legend Pele said he was pessimistic Friday about the chances of recovery of Milan striker Ronaldo, who is currently recovering from knee surgery.
"It is a shame, but I think he will never again be what he was before," Pele said about Ronaldo in Sao Paulo.
As Pele was being presented as an "ambassador" of the prestigious South American tournament Copa Libertadores, he said he had visited Ronaldo when he suffered a similar injury on his right knee in 2000.
"He recovered and played an excellent World Cup" in Japan/South Korea in 2002, Pele said.
However, he stressed that three-time FIFA Player of the Year Ronaldo, 31, will have more trouble getting over his physical problems now.
"It is true medicine made progress, but so did Ronaldo's age. I would be delighted for him to return 100 per cent, but unfortunately I don't think he will," Pele said.
The Brazilian football legend also made it clear he does not agree with the widespread enthusiasm generated by Milan's Brazilian youngster Alexandre Pato.
Pele admitted that Pato, 18, " has some similar characteristics" to him at the start of his career, but noted Pato is still far from being a star.
"To be a superstar, he will have to improve his headers, which are still not good," Pele said.
He further ruled Pato out of the race to become his successor.
"There will be no new Pele," he said confidently.