International renown soccer star Ronaldo spent Sunday night at the police station in Rio de Janeiro and Monday morning trying to avoid the local media.

The athlete allegedly confused a transvestite for a female prostitute. In an attempt to cover up the situation, the player offered nearly US$ 500 for everyone to keep their mouth shut.

Andre Luis Ribeiro Albertino, the transvestite in question, demanded a sum of US$ 25,000 to keep quite. However, Ronaldo considered the demand to be extortion. The argument ended up in the 16th Delegacy of Police in Rio de Janeiro.

The transvestite accused Ronaldo of using drugs. Albertino has a video of the athlete and has uploaded it on "youtube." Albertino also claims to have a receipt from Ronaldo of the purchase of three transvestites for Sunday night.

Ronaldo's version of the story states that he confused the transvestite for a female prostitute. Once he arrived at the hotel, he claims that he invited his escort to call three other friends.

However, once he found out that she was really a he, Ronaldo offered the other two boys a sum of US$ 500 each to walk away. Albertino demanded US$ 25,000, causing the player to claim extortion on the transvestite's behalf.

Both Ronaldo and Albertino will have to reappear at the Delegacy to restate their testimonies and clarify what happened.

Ronaldo could be charged for acts of aggression and threats of physical harm, although he never laid a harmful hand on the transvestite. Meanwhile, Albertino could be charged for extortion.

(Xinhua News Agency April 29, 2008)