Celebrated locally for his career at Inter Milan, where he cemented reputation as the finest striker in the world, Ronaldo Luís Nazário de Lima, also know as “El Fenómeno” or “R9”, was one of the first players to wear the Mercurial boots back in 1998. R9’s history in the line made him the perfect choice to open the “Science of Speed”, and he kicked off proceedings by presenting the first pair of the latest Mercurial Superfly V to its delighted new owner.

“Speed has always defined my style of play,” declares Ronaldo, whose brilliant skill and goal scoring sparked the imagination of an entire generation of players “and this enabled me to make the difference in the most decisive moments on pitch. Mercurial was designed to enhance the speed and attacking play of athletes like myself and Cristiano Ronaldo.”

European football icons Fabio Cannavaro, Luis Figo, Paolo Maldini, Ronaldinho, Christian Vieiri and Gianluca Zambrotta were also on hand to launch the new Mercurial ahead of their debuted by Cristiano Ronaldo.

“Ronaldo and Cristiano Ronaldo are the two fastest strikers of the modern era in football,” legendary Italian defender Fabio Cannavaro declared. “Speed – allied to extraordinary technique – is the quality they have most in common.”

(Report & Photo courtesy Digital News Agency)