Ronaldo won't comment on future plans
by Tom Adams, 02 July 2008
Cristiano Ronaldo has refused to comment on his future on Wednesday after meeting with doctors from both Manchester United and Portugal ahead of a possible ankle operation.
After admitting he wanted to join Real Madrid following Portugal’s Euro 2008 exit, Ronaldo promised to make an official announcement on his future in the days following the defeat to Germany.
That deadline has come and gone though, with those Manchester United fans awaiting clarification only left to mull over a barrage of tabloid holiday snaps featuring the forward and girlfriend Nereida Gallardo.
However, Ronaldo was forced to cut short his trip abroad in order to seek medical advice for his troublesome ankle problem and a meeting in Lisbon was attended by United club doctor Steve McNally and representatives from the Portuguese national side, as well as Ronaldo’s agent Jorge Mendes.
United have confirmed that they met the player with a club statement reading: "Manchester United medical staff met with the medical team from the Portuguese FA and Cristiano Ronaldo in Lisbon today regarding the ongoing treatment of his injured right ankle.
"As a result, further specialist advice is being sought and an announcement will be made on any action in due course."
It is now expected that the 42-goal forward will undergo surgery and Portuguese media reports this will be done under United’s supervision.
It is believed that Real want Ronaldo to be confirmed as their player by July 7 but if he goes under the knife, the United star could be sidelined for up to six weeks according to reports coming from his homeland.
An arthroscopy will reveal the extent of the injury but the likelihood of an operation leaves things somewhat up in the air for the Portugal star.
When questioned as to where his future lies, Ronaldo was evasive when telling TV3 on Wednesday: "I can only say that I will spend the period of my recovery in my house in Sintra, but regarding my future I cannot say anything."