Ronaldo vows to come back stronger after injury

Madrid (AFP) – Cristiano Ronaldo said Monday that he intends to come back stronger for the upcoming season despite the injury he sustained while playing for Portugal in their victorious Euro 2016 final.

The Real Madrid striker, who played a key part in leading his country to a maiden major title, limped off in tears with a knee injury in the first half of the final against hosts France earlier this month.

The 31-year-old has a sprained ligament in his left knee, and Spanish sports daily Marca reported that he is unlikely to return to action before Real’s third game of the domestic La Liga season.

“Hi everyone! I just wanted to thank all my fans,” Ronaldo said in a video on his Instagram account.

“I wanted to tell them that all is well and that I will come back much stronger. Thank you, long live Portugal!” 

After suffering the initial injury, the three-time Ballon D’Or winner tried to play on but had to be replaced in the 25th minute, before striker Eder grabbed the only goal of the game in extra time.