Manchester United ace Cristiano Ronaldo is hoping to return to
playing football as soon as possible after undergoing ankle surgery
last week.

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

Ronaldo, who has been strongly linked with Real Madrid this summer,
has endured a frustrating summer after Portugal lost 3-2 to Germany
in the quarter-finals of Euro 2008.

However, 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. "I love to
play and I love football. I miss the ball now."

Ronaldo has admitted he would like to play in 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."