Brazilian retired professional footballer and owner of Real Valladolid, Ronaldo Luís Nazário de Lima has confirmed that his current role has seen him suffer far more than he ever did as a player.

Ronaldo Nazario admitted that his relationship with Real Madrid’s president, Florentino Perez inspired him to buy the club and believes football gods were on the side as they avoided the drop finishing 16th with 41 points.

Sharing his experience, Ronaldo said “You suffer more in the director’s box than I ever did as a player, I try to keep my emotions hidden, but the worst day for me was when we secured our safety. Perhaps the footballing gods helped us, but we deserved to avoid the drop.”

Just four points separated Real Valladolid and relegation in the La Liga, but after an eventful first season at the helm of Real Valladolid, the Brazilian now hopes he can help propel the club forward.

Many were surprised when the former Brazilian international who retired from professional football in 2011 after injuries purchased Real Valladolid “I was looking for a team in Europe for two years, The club that appealed to me the most was Valladolid. “I think there is everything here that a project should have.”