LONDON: Three-time world footballer of the year and World Cup winner Ronaldo (pic) has his eyes on a new prize, winner of Brazilian TV's Celebrity Fit Club, reported Metro.

Since his retirement, the 36-year-old former Inter Milan and Real Madrid striker has become as famous for his weight gain as he was for anything he achieved on the pitch during his playing days.

He even named his first son Ronald because of his love of burgers, but has now started filming for the 'Fantastico' television show as he attempts to keep his weight under control.

The first episode of the program's initial three-month monitoring of his progress will be shown this weekend, and he said the presence of the cameras would give him extra motivation.

'Maybe if I didn't have the pressure of everybody watching me trying to lose weight then I wouldn't be able to do it,' he said.

'I will work hard, be persistent and not give up until I reach my recommended weight. I want people to be inspired by me.'

Marcio Atalla, who will oversee his progress on the programme, said Ronaldo had been chosen as a participant because he was such a high-profile case.

'We wanted to show that people cannot stand still," he said.

'You may have had a physically active job but if you stop and adopt a new lifestyle then your body will feel it and react to it. The exercises that keep you in shape need to be part of your routine forever.'

- mD