Ronaldo shares the injury Carlos Alcaraz gave him after they played tennis together last year

Ronaldo Nazario is one of the greatest footballers of all time, but has seemingly shifted his interests since retirement.

After all, the 49-year-old now clearly favours tennis and is pictured at events throughout the year whenever available.

His stature within the sporting world and newfound love for this particular sport saw him offered the ultimate opportunity last November: to practice with Carlos Alcaraz.

However, it was seemingly not as enjoyable as many might have expected it to be.

Ronaldo Nazario shares what it’s like to play tennis with Carlos Alcaraz

Speaking to CazeTV, the Brazilian footballing legend, who is a hugely keen tennis fan, spoke about getting the opportunity to hit with the world number one.

However, it was not the fairytale many might expect it to be.

Alcaraz clearly did not go easy on him, laughing as he recalled the story: “I’ve had inflammation in my shoulder ever since, it was in November, right?”

Ronaldo continued: “I had met him 30 minutes ago, he was fine, everything was alright, give his shots a little speed, and I could handle it well, man, and all that, but then in return, the exchange was good, then he hit me hard again in a way.

“It lasted two days, then I arrived in São Paulo, my shoulder… I couldn’t greet anyone like that. I even posted it on Instagram, I think, putting ice on my shoulder.

“But he is really cool, and he’s super charismatic, super friendly. Man, the guy is easy, very easy, very, very, very cool. That says a lot about the champion he is, right, man?”

Ronaldo Nazario now prefers tennis over football

Having been asked to pick between football and tennis in the past, Ronaldo had no hesitation.

However, it’s not the answer many might have expected, given he was once the most dominant striker in world football.

He claimed: “I think I love tennis more now than football. It’s unbelievable, I cannot watch football matches. I think it’s too boring. But I can stay for 5 hours watching tennis, it’s crazy. I’m training three times a week.”