Portuguese striker and Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo may miss the remainder of the World Cup if he follows his doctor’s orders to rest his knee. Ronaldo’s physician is reportedly advising his patient to sit out of the remaining games, or else risking a career ending injury. Surgeon Jose Carlos Noronha told Ronaldo that by playing he risks tearing the patellar tendon in his left knee beyond repair.
According to Portuguese news source, El Confidential, Noronha said, “Let your knee rest, or your future is in danger.” Ronaldo, who is seemingly unwilling to miss the World Cup replied with, “I’m the one that says whether I’m playing or not.”
Ronaldo, who has been suffering from leg and knee injuries the weeks leading up to the World Cup, had a MRI scan that revealed serious pressure in his left knee and risks the rest of his playing career if he chooses to finish out Portugal’s games in Brazil.
When speaking to reporters before Portugal’s opening game against Germany, Ronaldo said, “I come first, soccer comes after that.” Ronaldo missed several of Portugal’s pre-World Cup friendlies due to a thigh injury but was being reported at 100% before facing Germany, a game Portugal went on to lose 4-0.
For the second time during this World Cup, Ronaldo left Portugal’s practice early on Tuesday June 17th with a bag of ice taped to his knee. It is uncertain weather Ronaldo will start in Portugal’s game against the United States on June 21st but with several teammates out due to injuries and one red card, Portugal could use their captain and best goal scorer if they want to win and keep their hopes of advancing out of Group G alive.
