RIO DE JANEIRO, Jan. 24 (Xinhua) -- Ronaldo's pre-season workouts appeared on Saturday to be paying off. His figure looks noticeably slimmer as he is close to reaching his ideal weight to return to the soccer field. Thus far, the athlete has lost somewhere between six and seven kilograms.

    The technical director of the Corinthians soccer team, Antonio Carlos Zago, made the revelation during Saturday's practice. The announcement came after trying to avoid any skepticism after Ronaldo went out with his friends on Thursday to enjoy a night on the Sao Paulo town. Zago claims that there are no problems what soever with the player having a little fun.

Brazilian striker Ronaldo exercises during his first training session with his new team Corinthians in Sao Paulo December 26, 2008. Ronaldo, who has recovered from a serious knee injury he sustained in February at AC Milan, has agreed terms with Brazil's second most popular soccer club

    Despite Zago's comments on the player's weight, the club is keeping his actual weight a secret. The estimated weight of Ronaldo, which is not confirmed by the Corinthians team, is around90 kilos. When he arrived at the Corinthians training facility in December, he claimed he was around five or six kilos over weight, weighing in at 95 kilos.

    Even though Ronaldo may have achieved his ideal weight, his return to the sport is still uncertain. He continues to workout to improve his physique and his cardiovascular shape. His expected return is scheduled for the end of February or the beginning of March.