FIFA Ballon d’Or winner warned to quit World Cup, but set to play on anyway.
Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo is planning to defy advice from his doctor and continue playing for Portugal at this summer’s FIFA World Cup in Brazil, according to El Confidencial.
The 29-year-old lasted the full 90 minutes during Monday’s 4-0 defeat to Germany, but he did not look fully fit.
Things looked even worse for Ronaldo yesterday when he left training early with his left knee wrapped in ice.
It has been rumoured that Ronaldo will take no further part in the tournament, but he seems intent on helping his side against the USA on Sunday and Ghana next Thursday, despite worries over his long-term fitness.
MRI scans have shown serious pressure on the patellar tendon in his knee.
Surgeon Jose Carlos Noronha has warned Ronaldo that playing on in Brazil could risk tearing the tendon beyond repair.
Noronha apparently said to Ronaldo: “Let your knee rest or your future is in danger.”
Ronaldo’s response was reportedly: “I’m the one that says whether I’m playing or not.”
Portugal will be eliminated if they lose to the USA.
Ronaldo has featured at two previous World Cups, helping Portugal finish fourth in Germany in 2006, before competing four years later in South Africa, where they were beaten by Spain in the round of 16.