Miss start of season after ankle surgery

Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo had surgery Monday on his right ankle, and the English Premier League team says it will know in a month when he'll be able to return.

The Portuguese star could miss the start of the season next month. He revealed after last month's European Championship he had been playing in pain the past three months.

Ronaldo, 23, arrived at the hospital Sunday night. He is expected to leave the Academic Medical Center today, hospital spokesman Johan Kortenray told the Associated Press.

"The initial indications are that the procedure was successful," Man United said in a statement.

Ronaldo scored 42 goals for Man United last season, powering them to triumphs in the Premier League and Champions League. But at Euro 2008, Portugal was ousted in the quarterfinals.

The ankle surgery comes amid speculation of a possible move to Real Madrid.

Real Madrid president Ramón Calderón said Sunday he is ready to begin transfer talks with Man United, but is not confident about signing the winger even if Manchester United consents.

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