Brazilian legend Ronaldo has revealed there was a method to the madness that was his once infamous haircut.
The Real Madrid man helped Brazil win the World Cup in 2002 but it was the half completed buzz cut that generated the headlines and interest.
In the lead up to the finals the Brazilian icon had barely played owing to a career threatening knee injury.
After rupturing the cruciate ligament in his right knee in 2000 he missed Brazil's entire qualification campaign.
He returned in time for the finals, but a spotlight was shining bright on a man who’s performances would likely make or break the nation.
He led Brazil to their record fifth World Cup triumph where he won the Golden Boot as top scorer with eight goals in the tournament.
16 years later he admits that the knee injury and the haircut that made headlines were inextricably linked.
“I had an injury in my leg and everybody was talking about that. I decided to cut my hair and leave the small thing there. I come to training and everybody saw me with bad hair.
“Everybody was talking about the hair and forgot about the injury. I could stay more calm and relaxed and focused on my training.
“I'm not proud about the hair itself because it was pretty strange. But it was a good way to change the subject.
