Fans, AC Milan and even his surgeon are unsure whether Ronaldo will play again.
The 31-year-old Brazilian suffered his second career-threatening knee ligament injury in Wednesday’s 1-1 draw with Livorno. He had an operation on Thursday which doctors said was a success, but the rehabilitation time of nine months is a tough ask for any footballer, not least one who has struggled with niggles and his weight for the last few years.
Knee specialist Gerard Saillant, who also oversaw the operation on Ronaldo’s other knee eight years ago, was cautious about the future following the complex surgery. “It depends on him,” he said.
Even before his tearful exit on Wednesday, his desire to get fully fit and play top flight football had been questioned all season. The three-times World Player of the Year managed just six appearances this term.
AC Milan have tried their best to cheer him up, but the best form of consolation - the offer of a new contract - has yet to materialise. His current deal runs out in June.
The Offside reckons “The Grim Reaper swoops for Ronaldo’s career” while the Italian Soccer Serie A blog agrees it may be the end.
But we can’t forget he has come back from the same injury before, despite the doubters. He surprised everyone by recovering sufficiently to shoot Brazil to World Cup glory in 2002.
This time it does feel different though. I watched him closely against Siena last Sunday where he dejectedly lumbered around the field with his head down for 45 minutes…and that was before the injury.
Is it really the end? Let us know your views.
Mark Meadows, Milan
PHOTO: Ronaldo clutches his knee after a challenge with Livorno players during their Serie A match in Milan, Feb 13 . REUTERS/Alessandro Garofalo
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10 comments so far
It looks a tough road back, but I personally hope he makes it. It was thrilling to watch him prove everyone wrong at the World Cup in 2002, and then again at Real Madrid.
- Posted by Kevin FylanMilan chief exec Adriano Galliani, who says Ronnie is the best Brazilian since Pele, just revealed the injury isnt as bad as the one in 2000. Still no mention of a new contract though, even a six month one as a carrot for him to get fit. Just lots talk of ‘wearing the jersey again’…which could mean anything, like only in Maldini’s testimonial
- Posted by Mark MeadowsIs there a point in having the agony of a comeback if you know you will never be the same player again? If he quit now most people would remember the good things. Maybe he will be good enough to go back to Brazil but his career in europe was over long ago anyway
- Posted by Claudia PennettaHe certainly wouldn’t be thought poorly of in the history books if he quit top flight football now, he really has nothing to prove. But it could look like he was prolonging his inevitable retirement if he attempted to come back. I hope he makes it but decides to play in a lower league because football shouldn’t loose a person like ronaldo when it’s not on his own terms.
- Posted by clementIt is a great shame that his career could end this way. He has been one of the greats and deserves a great deal of respect. Even if he does recover I seriously doubt he will reach even his standard of this season.
Hopefully in retirement he can take all the positives from his career and stay healthy. I fear he may balloon if he succumbs to depression as some players whose careers end in this way.
- Posted by nextsoccerstar.comI can’t see the big man coming back from this. It’s a shame but where’s his motivation?
- Posted by man ray.Whilst it is a shame to see any player suffer such an injury, Ronaldo’s career has been on a downward spiral for some time now and this seems a sad, but inevitable end to his playing days.
He is a player of great talent and ability, but he doesn’t seem to have had the passion and fitness that he showed during his younger years.
Recovering from an major setback requires determination; Ronaldo might not have that in him. Alternatively, this setback might reignite his passion. Let’s hope for the latter.
- Posted by NeilNeither Liverpool or Arsenal care for todays game.
Today’s loss is good for both of them. Arsenal can try to keep the EPL league, which is by far a more important league than FA both technically and financially for them.
As for liverpool, the are in CL and they can focus on it.
- Posted by Al Sefati[…] He is a matchwinner who can make a goal out of nothing, not unlike the player he admires the most, Brazil’s Ronaldo (Not now obviously.) […]
- Posted by Hot Benzema could break Zidane record - Reuters Soccer BlogRonaldo has proved time and time again that he has the ability to come back, much better! ROnaldo is the greatest living legend in football!
- Posted by Casey