Ronaldo in upbeat mood

Brazilian striker Ronaldo is looking to the future with optimism claiming “the worst is over” on his road to recovery.

The 31-year-old returned to the AC Milan camp for the first time since undergoing surgery on his left knee last month in Paris.

Ronaldo ruptured a ligament in his knee during his team’s 1-1 draw at Livorno, sparking fears the injury could be career-threatening.

“I feel better, the worst is over now,” said Ronaldo on the club’s official website, www.acmilan.com.

“I no longer feel pain and now I am able to walk better.

“It’s not long now before I will be able to stop using the crutches.”

However, Ronaldo remains cautious regarding his future plans.

“For the time being, it’s early to speak about taking a decision,” he said. “But I am preparing for the big challenge which is to return to play.”

Ronaldo has sustained serious injuries in the past, and eight years ago had a career-threatening right-knee injury when playing for Inter Milan.