This injury won’t slow Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the greatest players the soccer world has ever seen.
Ronaldo limped out of Real Madrid’s practice session Tuesday after colliding with reserve goalkeeper Kiko Casilla. The news sparked fears he might not play or won’t be in peak shape when Real Madrid when it takes on Atletico Madrid in the 2016 UEFA Champions League Final on Saturday in Milan.
But Ronaldo batted away those concerns, calling the upper leg injury a “minor scare,” according to Sky Sports.
“I am fine. I had a little problem in training, a dead leg as they say here, but tomorrow (Wednesday) or the next day I will be fine. It was a minor scare, a knock,” he said.
Ronaldo has managed a recurring thigh injury over the last month, and his physical problems resemble those he battled in the run-up to the 2014 Champions League final, which Real Madrid won 4-2 in extra time against Atletico Madrid. But the Portuguese superstar said his condition ahead of this year’s final is better than it was two years ago.
“I believe I’m in better shape,” he said. “I’ve had a slight problem but it’s normal as I have been the most used player in the team.
“I think this is the season where I have played the most minutes. Besides the problem of today’s training session, I believe I’m at my best level.”
Real Madrid needs Ronaldo, 31, at or near his best if it wants to again down its crosstown rival in the Champions League final. He’s Real Madrid’s all-time leading scorer and has been as deadly as ever this season, with 51 goals in 47 games in all competitions.
Ronaldo’s remarkable record of durability and recovery represent his dedication and commitment. There’s little chance he’ll change tack just four days before the biggest club soccer game of the season.
We’ll just have to believe Ronaldo when he said he’s fine. Casilla and neutrals everywhere can breathe a little easier.
Thumbnail photo via Mark J. Rebilas/USA TODAY Sports Images
