Cristiano Ronaldo
Reuters

Ronaldo recovers from surgery

Updated 09.35 Tue Jul 08 2008

Cristiano Ronaldo's ankle operation was a success and Real Madrid say they are not concerned about his injury.

The Manchester United winger had surgery on his right ankle in Amsterdam and will soon be allowed to return home.

"Initial indications are that the procedure was successful" - Manchester United statement

He is not expected to recover for six weeks, so he will probably miss the start of the season.

A Manchester United statement read: "Cristiano Ronaldo underwent surgery today to his right ankle and the initial indications are that the procedure was successful.

"Cristiano will begin his convalescence under the direction of club medical staff and an estimation of his return to full fitness will be possible following review by the specialist in one month."

Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon has reiterated the Spanish giants' interest in Ronaldo, despite the surgery.

Calderon said: "At the moment that is something which should only concern the player and United.

"If Ronaldo wants to leave Manchester, he'll leave. If he wants to stay, he'll stay.

"I don't think you can keep anyone in a place where they don't want to be, not even in a family.

"But I insist that for a formal negotiation to start Manchester United will have to open their doors to us. Manchester have to want to talk."

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