Runco denies Ronnie dopingWednesday 12 September, 2007Ronaldo’s long-running injury saga may have finally reached its conclusion as his doctor in Brazil has revealed no new treatment was used.
The Brazilian international has endured a frustrating spell since reporting a thigh pain at the end of July.
Initial treatment in Milan failed to inspire the desired recovery, prompting the 30-year-old to turn to his national side’s doctor Jose Luis Runco in Brazil, much to the Diavolo’s chagrin.
Runco changed the diagnosis of Ronaldo’s condition and criticised his Italian counterparts’ efforts, but a rumour spread that he was using an experimental treatment.
The method in question involves the injection of blood cells into damaged tissue, a similar technique to EPO – the stimulation of the red blood cell producing hormone.
As the technique is still in its infancy and at an experimental stage there is yet to be a definitive ruling on its legality.
Italian National Olympic Committee representatives Ettore Torri and Luigi Frati stirred controversy by speculating that such a treatment was a form of doping and should be investigated.
However, Runco has now revealed that no such method was used and Ronaldo has returned to Milanello to begin a conventional recovery.
“Ronaldo didn’t need the experimental treatment so we have opted for a more traditional and safer method,†the respected doctor told Telelombardia.
“The muscle is improving, but it will need another two or three weeks to start truly healing. I have explained the best course to Rossoneri doctor Massimiliano Sala so the recovery can take place in Italy.â€
Carlo Ancelotti’s faith that Ronaldo will be fit to start against Siena this weekend has proven to be misplaced, but he should be ready for action within the next month.
While the striking star’s thigh will heal, it may take longer for the damage to his relationship with his club to recover after the public embarrassment he heaped upon the medical staff in Milan.
::channel4::