The Portugal international is facing three months on the sidelines after having had the operation in Amsterdam.

Ronaldo, speaking ahead of attending the 2008 ESPY Awards in Los Angeles, is looking forward to a return to action despite only recently undergoing surgery.

"I'm injured now, but I hope to come back soon," he said on Sky Sports News. "I love to play and I love football. I miss the ball now."

Ronaldo has admitted he would like to play in the MLS one day, a league he believes is on the up, although he is keen to remain in Europe for the moment.

"I prefer to play in Europe at the minute, but in the future, who knows?" he continued.

"David Beckham and Abel Xavier play there. I've spoken with Abel a few times and he says it's great. It's great to play here.

"The league it's much better than a few years ago, the future is getting better and better."