SAO PAULO, Brazil (AP) - Three-time FIFA player of the year Ronaldo donned a Corinthians jersey and officially joined the Sao Paulo club Friday after months of speculation of where - or if - he would play again.

The 32-year-old striker, battling back from a major knee injury he sustained February that ended his time at AC Milan, said he was grateful to the club for giving him a chance.

"It’s going to be a huge challenge and we are committed to winning," he said at a news conference. "I thank Corinthians for giving me this opportunity, for opening their doors and embracing me during my recovery."

Asked when he might be able to play again, Ronaldo only said "soon."

"I’ll have to show it on the field," he said. "Off the field it is only words, some pretty, some ugly. But football is proven on the field."

While it won’t be the same level of glamour - or money - as European football, Ronaldo said he was happy to play in Brazil.

"I love football - I’ve been a professional since I was 15," he said. "But I only played one year in Brazil. I’ve missed my country and family a lot."

Ronaldo signed a one-year deal with the Sao Paulo club this week with a one-year option. It included a clause allowing him to cancel it at any time. Brazilian media reports said the contract will pay him 400,000 reals ($169,000, 127,000 euros) per month.

At the height of his career, he commanded $8 million a year in salary.

Marcio Gobbi, vice president of Corinthians, rejected accusations that the club contracted Ronaldo for business rather than sporting reasons - the club has already sold thousands of Ronaldo jerseys.

"Ronaldo isn’t here for marketing, he is here to play," he said. "Brazilian football deserves the return of the best player of recent times."

For months Ronaldo has told reporters that various European clubs were interested in him: Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain and Italy’s Siena among them.