Ronaldo dreaming of Paradise regained

As Internazionale stumble from one failure to another and the cry for change again grows deafening, Inter fans have for once been able to look within the club for a source of inspiration.

Ronaldo's progress as he battles his way back to fitness has become more of a talking point than his side's repeated disappointments on the pitch and now finally the Nerazzurri faithful have something to cheer about.

A year after being stretchered off with knee ligament damage during last season's Coppa Italia semi-final, Ronaldo's return to training has shifted supporters' focus from the San Siro to the Pinetina training-ground where his every pass and shot is marked by applause and chears.

August 26, the start of next season, cannot come soon enough for the player or the club. Expectations rose further on Sunday as Ronaldo vowed not only that both he and Christian Vieri would spearhead the Inter attack next season but that together they would bring 'Paradise back to Inter'.

"Next season we will begin with strength and determination," Ronaldo said. "I talked with Bobo" [Christian Vieri] "and he never mentioned that he had the intention of leaving."

"I'm 100 per cent sure he will stay at Inter, because I also know that he wants to play with me."

"It has been a very tough and difficult season for Inter. The team has played badly and haven't won, and Vieri told me that it has been horrible – a nightmare – because I haven't been playing. When we start playing together again, Paradise will return to Inter."

Inter have refused to rush bringing Ronaldo back, and after seeing the Brazilian score twice and set up four other goals in a 9-5 friendly win against Sant'Angelo Lodigiano on Friday, president Massimo Moratti is close to being rewarded for his patience and trust in the young striker.

"I told him [Moratti] I feel well, but that I don't like to see the team in the situation we are now in," Ronaldo continued. "We need to have a great and powerful side, not what we have seen this season."

"I really feel well and it doesn't matter that the opposition is weak in friendly games. I enjoyed myself and it was a positive experience. I will continue working hard even during my holidays in Brazil this summer."

"I bet that when I come back I will be in better shape than my team-mates. There is no doubt in my mind that I will be as ready as they are for the new campaign."

Ronaldo watched on from the sidelines when Marcello Lippi was shown the door and Marco Tardelli is expected to follow him out of the San Siro before getting the chance to pair Vieri and Ronaldo up front.

Valencia coach Hector Cuper is waiting in the wings, but Ronaldo is desperate to prove that change is not the only constant at the club. He, at any rate, will not be leaving.

"Talk of me being sold to Real Madrid is only rumours," he said. "I'm happy my value is £18 million after only a friendly, but when I get back into the side you will see that £18 million would not be enough to buy me."

Inter fans wait in anticipation for Ronaldo's return and the man himself is thinking of little else. "I dream of a beautiful game – the San Siro Stadium sold out and all money generated from ticket sales and TV rights would be given to children," he said. "It would be great."