Pele, arguably one of the greatest athletes to have ever played soccer, doubts that Ronaldo will be able to return to play after recuperating from another surgery on his left knee.

On Monday, Ronaldo responded to Pele's doubts and called it ironic.

Last Friday, in an event in Sao Paulo, Pele showed his lack of confidence in the ability of Ronaldo to return to the sport.

Ronaldo suffered a torn patellar tendon in his left knee and underwent corrective surgery for the third time. The other surgeries were due to similar injuries, but on his right knee.

Pele said "even if he recuperates, I don't think he will be the same as before. Now, he is older and it will be even harder to get rid of those extra pounds."

"I think that it is great that he said I won't be able to return to the sport. We all know that when Pele predicts something, it usually goes the other way," said Ronaldo, also known as "the phenomenon".

Although Ronaldo was a little disappointed with Pele's comment, he did not take it personal.

"I am not offended. I know that Pele, being the star that he is, is obligated to talk about a lot of things that he may not know about. Sometimes, he even gets himself in trouble," added Ronaldo.

Ronaldo is currently going through with his physical therapy in Italy. He will receive an MRI towards the end of the month, and, if he is liberated, he will travel to Rio de Janeiro to continue his recuperation.

According to the team doctors of Milan, the athlete's time of recovery will take up to nine months.

(Xinhua News Agency March 18, 2008)