Ronaldo participates in Brazil war on hunger

Real Madrid striker Ronaldo has agreed to participate in a campaign to "eradicate hunger" in Brazil after receiving a telehpone call from President-elect Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Wednesday, according to the O Globo news network.

Lula called Ronaldo in Madrid to request the player's backing for a relief programme based on food vouchers, Globo reported.

"I am completely at the disposition of the president (elect) to overcome a problem that is so serious for our country. We have to think about how to improve things. I might live abroad but my future will be in Brazil, so I want to help fight for a better future," Ronaldo told Globo's CBN radio.

According to estimates released by Lula's Workers Party, some 54 million Brazilians, or 31.2 percent of the population live in a state of poverty, and more than 40 million suffer from malnutrition.

Lula has identified hunger relief as his priority when he takes office in January 1, while Ronaldo already holds a post as a UN Goodwill ambassador

The "Zero Hunger" project, for which Lula intends to create a new government department, falls within the wider sphere of a social pact aimed at raising living standards for the low paid.

Ronaldo said the policies being proposed by Lula's Workers Party could have some bearing on football.

"I have high hopes that these improvements can feed through to football. Having the game well-organised, with full stadiums is important. With the help of the government, I believe things can improve," Ronaldo said.

Lula also asked Ronaldo to attend his presidential inauguration ceremony on January 1.