|
|
Ronaldo is out until 2001 or maybe forever...
"All being well, he'll play again at the beginning of 2001. Saillant said following his second operation in less than five months on the Brazil and Inter Milan striker's knee. "We have drawn up a plan of work for 2000 with the club, the player and everyone else concerned." Saillant said that whereas the ligament had been partially torn when it was first operated on in November, it had ruptured in the Italian Cup final against Lazio on Wednesday. But Inter doctor Piero Volpi tried to dispel fears that Ronaldo might not play again. "As much as we can say now, the professor (Saillant) is optimistic Ronaldo can return to the game again fully fit." Saillant said Ronaldo had an inherent weakness in his patella ligaments and this coupled with his explosive style of play heightened the risk of injury to his knee. "Many top athletes have a weak point and Ronaldo's is his patella ligament," Saillant said. Saillant, who operated on the kneecap tendon in November after an on-field injury, said Ronaldo had not rushed his comeback. Ronaldo is expected to stay at the Pitie Salpetriere clinic where the operation took place on Thursday for eight to 15 days. Ronaldo was in good spirits and surrounded by his family, which was an enormous psychological help, Saillant said. "He told me 'I'm 23 years old, maybe I'll lose six months, a year, but I have until 30 as a top footballer'," Saillant said. But some specialists are not that optimistic. They think that this might be the end of Ronaldo's glittering career. They say that it's 50:50. But really it is not something to gamble with. Ronaldo, probably, one of the greatest talents in the world of football. And it will be truly great tragedy if great Brazilian will have to quit. Have your say... Send your views to me
|
Click here for latest transfer news
|
|
