Ronaldo in hiding in Brazil after incident with prostitutes ends with transvestite facing charge of extortion

The AC Milan striker, in Brazil recovering from a knee surgery, cancelled two TV appearances, and local media said he will continue physiotherapy at his home.

Police said Ronaldo committed no crime, but he was accused by one prostitute of using drugs and not wanting to pay. Prostitution is legal in Brazil. The transvestite could face charges of extorting money and stealing his vehicle licence, police said.

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They said Ronaldo, who is recovering from a serious knee injury, had been involved in an altercation with three transvestites late on Sunday in the Rio de Janeiro neighbourhood of Barra da Tijuca.

"One of the transvestites said in his interview that the transvestite known as Andreia asked him (Ronaldo) for 50,000 reais (£14,892)," detective Carlos Augusto Nogueira told reporters.

"It's very likely that he (Andreia) will be charged with extortion."

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"It is necessary to clarify that no formal accusations were made against Ronaldo," read a statement on the player's website. "An advocate of social causes, Ronaldo has never used drugs and has always been admired by children in Brazil and around the world. There are indications of an extortion attempt in which the Milan striker is the only victim."

Ronaldo acknowledged to police he knew they were prostitutes but did not realize they were cross-dressers until getting to a motel in the early hours Monday morning, when one allegedly tried to extort money from him to hide the story from the media, according to police.

The motel manager - identified only as Luisa - said Ronaldo, who was dressed and appeared to be sober, tried to get rid of the prostitutes after realizing they were men.

She told police Ronaldo offered the prostitutes $600 (£305) to end the incident but they would not accept dollars. The manager then converted the money into reais for Ronaldo, but before he made the payment Andreia asked for 50,000 reais to keep the story from the media.

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A motel waiter, who was not identified in the police documents, told police the prostitute went to the street and yelled "the Phenomenon didn't want to pay."

Witnesses also Andreia ripped out the phone wires to keep Ronaldo from calling for help, and broke into his car to steal his belongings.

That prostitute later showed local media a vehicle document belonging to Ronaldo.

Police inspector Carlos Augusto Nogueira said there was no evidence drugs were involved in the incident.

But he said Ronaldo and the prostitutes must return to the police station for further questioning next week. Nogueira added the one prostitute might be charged with extortion.

Ronaldo will not be charged, Nogueira said, unless he threatened to physically assault the prostitutes, as one hinted.

The case made front-page headlines in several Brazilian newspapers Tuesday. And a brief video clip of Ronaldo at the motel, apparently recorded by one of the prostitutes, became a big hit in Brazil after being posted on the YouTube website.

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"It's really a soap opera," said 48-year-old Luiz Mendes, a private chauffeur. "Ronaldo has money to fill mattresses. He can afford the best and most beautiful women in the world. Why would he want to go out with these (prostitutes)."

Some Brazilians defended the star.

"It's no surprise they are on the front page of all newspapers," said 27-year-old Catia Lopes, a bakery-shop worker. "But I don't think Ronaldo's image was hurt. For me he is still the same person."

Ronaldo was out reportedly celebrating Flamengo's 1-0 victory over rival Botafogo in the first leg of the Rio de Janeiro state final. Ronaldo is a fan of Flamengo and has said he wants to play for the Brazilian club before retiring. He was at Maracana stadium to watch Sunday's match.

The player told reporters during the match that he could be back in action in six months if his recovery continues to go as planned.

Ronaldo has won two World Cups with Brazil, including in 2002 when he scored eight goals, including two in the final against Germany.