PARIS, Feb 16: An operation to repair a ruptured tendon in Ronaldo’s left knee went well, but it is too early to say whether the Milan striker will play professional soccer again, a Paris specialist said on Friday.

After the two-hour operation late Thursday at Pitie-Salpetriere hospital, the three-time FIFA World Player of the Year was to remain at the ward for eight days of physical therapy, with more treatment to follow in a specialized center, the hospital said in a statement.

Ronaldo will not be able to play again for at least eight or nine months, the hospital said.

“It is too early to say what the chances are of Ronaldo playing competitive soccer again,” the statement said. “That will depend not only on the surgery, but also on physical therapy and the motivation of Ronaldo - currently 31 years old - to return to high-level sports.”

Dr Gerard Saillant, who operated on a similar problem on the Brazilian’s right knee in 2000, told L’Equipe sports daily that the operation “went well.” Saillant also participated in Thursday’s operation by Dr. Eric Rolland.

Ronaldo was injured in Milan’s 1-1 draw with Livorno on Wednesday. He arrived at the Paris hospital on Thursday in the back seat of a car with his leg in a brace and an ice pack on his knee.

In comments broadcast Thursday, Milan president Silvio Berlusconi told Italian state television RAI that Ronaldo “fears for his career.” — AP