Some may have been hoping to see a more streamlined El Fenomeno, working hard on the training track with the aim of making a speedy recovery from his latest knee problem.

The 31-year-old, who steered the Selecao to their fifth World Cup in 2002, has been out of action since rupturing ligaments in his left knee while playing for AC Milan in February.

But snaps taken of the ex-Real Madrid striker during his holiday in Ibiza suggest he has been hitting the nightclubs and restaurants of the Mediterranean rather than the gym.

Ronaldo is the quintessential wayward Brazilian, a forerunner to compatriots Ronaldinho and Adriano – incendiary talents all who have been unable to control their urges off the pitch.

The former Barcelona and Internazionale man has always bounced back before, but at his age and in the condition he is in – well, even the most die-hard fan would have to concede that his time among Europe’s elite has well and truly passed.

Goal.com