This week saw Ronaldo pick up an unexpected boost on the road to
recovery, the striker being given permission to take the wheel once more, though
only within reasonable proximity to his Milan home.
The speed of his progress has shocked even the player himself, who had a very
tough time early on when coming back from a similar injury sustained in 2000.
“The comparison is inevitable, spontaneous even. Especially for him, Ronaldo,
who is surprising himself with the results (of his treatment),” says Bruno
Mazziotti, the player’s physio.
“It has a lot to do with how physiotherapy itself has evolved over the last
eight years, both on a technological and theoretical basis.”
Ronaldo was determined to share the good news with his AC Milan team-mates. He
surprised onlookers by appearing at the San Siro for Sunday’s game with Atalanta
and walking around normally, without the need for crutches.
“Everyone was really moved (by what they saw) and he even had his name chanted
by the supporters. That show of affection was absolutely priceless for Ronaldo,”
explained Mazziotti, who has already helped the stricken Brazilian attain an 80º
range of movement in the injured limb.
Ronaldo will stay in Milan until Thursday, when he is due to fly to Paris. The
next day the player will undergo more medical examinations and a final
consultation with doctor Gerard Saillant, before flying to Madrid on Sunday to
spend time with his son Ronald. |