AC Milan striker Ronaldo claims that it is too early to discuss the possibility of hanging up his boots.

The legendary Brazilian ruptured tendons in his left knee in a recent game with Livorno and is facing at least nine months on the sidelines after going under the surgeon’s knife.

With his weight and general fitness already being called into question before suffering the injury, doubts persist that he will ever grace the professional game again.

Ronaldo admits that there is a possibility he may be forced to call time on his distinguished career, but revealed that the possibility of making a full recovery is still keeping him motivated at present

“For now it’s too early to talk about a decision, but I’m ready for this big challenge, which is returning to play,” he told the Milan Channel.

“I’m feeling better, the worst is behind me. I don’t have any more pain and now I’m even managing to walk better.

“There’s little time left now before I can remove the cast.”

Ronaldo suffered the same injury, but on his right leg, eight years ago during his time with city rivals Internazionale and was out of action for 20 months.

A similar rehabilitation period this time around would almost certainly signal the end of his career.