Cristiano Ronaldo went through with his ankle surgery much to the chagrin of Manchester United officials and here are some of the first pictures displaying him in all his injurd glory. He looks so different sans Nereida Gallardo, no?

Six weeks is regarded as the minimum before the Portuguese star is fit for action.

That would see him miss the start of the new season — but Madrid have no intention of backing off.

Speaking on arrival at the general assembly of the new European Club Association in Nyon, Switzerland, Real’s international affairs spokesman Jose Luis Lopez-Serrano said: “Of course, our board would like to have Ronaldo.

“We are used to being linked with 50 or 60 players at this time of the year.

“But if you ask me if Ronaldo would be our No 1 target, I would say I think so.

Will this impede upon Real Madrid’s celebrations when they sign him? Probably not. Now we’re certain he’ll make a midseason transfer in January, which means this saga won’t end anytime soon. Yet, at least the guy’s no longer on vacation. We know he’s filthy rich, but everything in moderation, ya know? A few more pics below.

We’ll wait for Ronaldo to get fit [The Sun]
Images [The Sun]