Capello about Ronaldo Nazario: "I forced him to leave, he smelled of alcohol"

Legendary coach Fabio Capello has opened up about the circumstances that led to Ronaldo Nazario's departure from Real Madrid, admitting that the decision ultimately came down to concerns over the Brazilian's lifestyle away from football.

Widely regarded as one of the greatest strikers in history, Ronaldo enjoyed memorable spells with Inter and Real Madrid, earning worldwide recognition as "The Phenomenon." Despite his incredible talent, Capello felt that maintaining discipline within the squad had to come first.

"Without a doubt, Ronaldo is the best player I have ever worked with. It is true that he did not like to sacrifice or train, but he had qualities that I have not seen in any other player. He was truly unique," Capello said during the "Milano Football Week" event.

Even with such admiration for the forward's abilities, the Italian tactician concluded that a separation was necessary. That decision would eventually pave the way for Ronaldo's move to Milan.

"Ronaldo loved to party. You could smell alcohol in the dressing room after his nights out and he often took some of his teammates with him," Capello said. "I forced him to leave," he added.

Capello also recalled a conversation with former Milan president Silvio Berlusconi that unexpectedly influenced the next chapter of Ronaldo's career.

"I told Berlusconi that we were going to send Ronaldo to Saudi Arabia. He asked me how the player was behaving and I replied that he liked to have fun and party. The next day I read in the newspaper that Ronaldo was moving to Milan," Capello continued.

The transfer was completed in January 2007, bringing Ronaldo back to San Siro, although this time he would wear the colors of Milan rather than Inter, the club he had left five years earlier.

His second spell in Italian football was relatively brief, but he still managed to make an impact, recording nine goals and five assists in 20 appearances for the Rossoneri.

Following his time in Europe, Ronaldo returned home to Brazil, joining Corinthians before eventually bringing his illustrious playing career to an end in February 2011.