The 31-year-old underwent surgery in his left knee in February and is determined to resume his career after this latest setback.

The three-time World Player of the Year sustained a similar injury while at Internazionale in 2000 but came back to help Brazil win the 2002 World Cup.

Ronaldo believes a brief stint at Rio de Janeiro outfit Flamengo, who were linked with a move for the player before this latest injury, will help him force his way back into the Milan team once he makes a full recovery.

"I am not giving up," Ronaldo told La Gazzetta dello Sport. "I don't see myself without football.

"I am working four hours a day in order to recover.

"Before I can think of Europe and Milan, I would like to spend a couple of months at Flamengo."

He added that his scheduled nine-month rehabilitation programme was progressing well.

"For the time being everything is okay and the doctors have given me hope, telling me that the knee is healing well," he said.

Ronaldo's deal at Milan ends this summer and the Rossoneri have stated their wish to extend his contract for a further year.