Striker Ronaldo has been suspended and fined by Brazilian outfit Corinthians after breaking a team curfew.

The former Real Madrid and AC Milan star, who is almost ready to return to action after a year on the sidelines with a knee injury, failed to return to the team hotel by the agreed time of 9pm on Wednesday after a night out with team-mates.

Ronaldo reportedly arrived at the Presidente Prudente Hotel at 5.30am on Thursday after being spotted at a local nightclub.

Corinthians president Andres Sanches revealed his disappointment at Ronaldo's behaviour, but did not expand on the punishment handed to the former Brazil international.

"Of course I am sad, but he is a human being and it is possible to make mistakes," Sanches told Radio Bandeirante.

"He knows he was wrong and was punished for that.

"I hope it is the last time, I already spoke to him about this."

Ronaldo has not played competitively since rupturing knee ligaments in a Serie A game for Milan against Livorno last February.

He was released by Milan at the end of his contract in the summer and had been training with Flamengo in a bid to regain his fitness before signing a one-year deal with Corinthians in December.

Corinthians skipper William backed Ronaldo to bounce back from his indiscretion.

"All human beings can make mistakes and it already happened in other cases," he said.

"Everything has been solved."

Meanwhile, Corinthians coach Mano Menezes has revealed Ronaldo's expected debut has been pushed back to allow the 32-year-old more time to build up his fitness levels.

"The date should be delayed," he said. "We need to see how he reacts to heavy training."

"We should avoid minor injuries, especially at the beginning."