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.