Brazil striker Ronaldo is to become chairman and partner of a sports marketing consultancy to be launched by London-based, global communications group WPP.

The company, which will be created in 2011, is to be called 9ine, after the number Ronaldo wears as a player. 9ine will have offices in London and Sao Paulo, Brazil.

The company plans to take advantage of the predicted boom in Brazil's sports market ahead of the 2014 Fifa World Cup and the 2016 Summer Olympic Games. It will offer advice to corporations willing to invest in the country and management services for high profile athletes.

Ronaldo said: "We want to be leaders in the sports marketing industry. This is something I thought to build a post-football career. We’ve already been approached by major brands."

Ronaldo says he will be fully committed to the new business once he retires from football next year. He currently plays for Sao Paulo club Corinthians.