BRASILIA, June 10: Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva sought on Friday to heal any bad feelings over his query about the weight of the country's star striker, Ronaldo.

Lula sent a letter by fax to Ronaldo in Germany, “reaffirming his affection for the player,” and saying he is “cheering for him” at the World Cup of football, a source in Lula's office said.

The spat began Thursday when Lula indelicately inquired of Brazil's coach Carlos Pereira -- via videoconference -- about Ronaldo's weight, which the sports press said was less than optimal.

Ronaldo said earlier on Friday: “Just as he says I'm fat, everybody knows he drinks too much.

“It's as much of a lie that I am fat as it is a lie to say that he drinks too much,” he said.—AFP