Ronaldo: I couldn't stop cryingRonaldo confesses he’s not sure if he’ll ever play again and gives an insight into what he felt when his knee tendon snapped for the third time.
The Milan star has now left the Paris clinic where he underwent surgery to repair a snapped left knee tendon and gave a revealing interview.
“At the start I couldn’t stop crying, as there was an incredible pain,†he explained of the incident during the 1-1 draw with Livorno 10 days ago.
“I felt a very strong crack and immediately my mind raced over images I had already seen. In that moment I thought the right thing to do was give up after this had happened to me again.â€
It was the third time he has severely damaged knee tendons, although in the past it had always been the right knee.
Doctors have warned Ronaldo will be out of action for a minimum of nine months and even he admits he doesn’t know if he will ever play professional football again.
“At the time I thought I’d try to recover so I could live a normal life and rest, because I have been playing for many years,†he told Sky Italia television.
“But in those moments of sadness so many things go through your mind. I was defeated, on the floor, but slowly there is the chance to come back and I will fight until the bitter end for that possibility.â€
An element of doubt remains around Il Fenomeno’s chances of returning to the sport at the highest level at the age of 31.
“This isn’t the right time to think about it, because everything is still so fresh and recent. I have to focus on my recovery now, which will be very long and difficult.
“Then at the end, if I really am fit again, truly do not feel pain and have the confidence to step on to the pitch, I will certainly return to the playing field.â€
Channel4