Milan: AC Milan and Brazil striker Ronaldo hasruptured a ligament in his left knee and must undergo surgery, the Serie A club said.

The three-times World Player of the Year was carried off in tearsafter going down badly during Milan's 1-1 Serie A draw at home toLivorno yesterday.

The 31-year-old, who has hardly featured this season because of aseries of injuries, had only come on as a substitute three minutes earlier.

AC Milan communicate that after the first checks made at theGaleazzi hospital in Milan a rupture to his kneecap ligament wasfound in his left knee, the club said in a statement on their website (http://www.acmilan.com).

The Brazilian sustained two serious injuries to his right kneewhile playing for Inter Milan in 1999 and 2000 but recovered to helpBrazil win the 2002 World Cup.

He went on to play for Real Madrid before joining AC Milan inJanuary 2007. "We are all very sad and worried about what happened toRonaldo," Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti said.

"I don't want to say his career is over because only time canput the word end to his career. From our part, we can only stayclose to him. His team mates left the stadium quickly to reach thehospital to check on his condition. I think it's the right way to stay close to a player who ssuffering. Being close to him can help him cope at such adelicate moment of his career," added the Milan coach.

Ronaldo is the all-time leading scorer in World Cup finalsmatches with 15 goals in three tournaments.

Source : UNI