Ronaldo back in Real squad for Arsenal clash
(Reuters)
Updated: 2006-03-07 08:53

MADRID, March 6 (Reuters) - Real Madrid striker Ronaldo has been recalled for Wednesday's Champions League match against Arsenal after being dropped against Atletico Madrid at the weekend.

The three-times winner of the World Player of the Year award has come under fire for failing to live up to his billing in recent matches.

The Brazilian was also accused of putting his own interests before those of the team after making a thinly veiled threat on the eve of Real's 1-0 defeat at home to Arsenal in the first leg.

The 29-year-old said he was reconsidering his future at the club because of the criticism he has received from Real Madrid fans.

He was dropped after last week's 2-1 defeat at Real Mallorca and replaced by Antonio Cassano against Atletico.

The Italy striker, who joined Real in January from AS Roma, scored Real's opening goal in their 2-1 victory at the Bernabeu - earning praise from fans and the media for his lively performance in attack.

Real's new president Fernando Martin, who took charge of the club following the shock resignation of former chief Florentino Perez last week, has pledged to take a hard line against the club's under-performing Galacticos.

Ronaldo, who has played just one Champions League match this season because of suspension and injury, scored a hat-trick for Real in their 4-3 defeat at Manchester United the last time he played for the club on English soil.

Playmaker Zinedine Zidane and defender Ivan Helguera were also included in the squad despite picking up minor knocks in the Atletico game.