There were fears the Brazil striker's career could be over after he ruptured a ligament in his knee during his team's 1-1 draw at Livorno in February, but Ronaldo is determined to play again as soon as possible.

"Yes, I will return to playing because football is so much inside my heart," he said.

"It's such a huge passion and I will do everything to get back onto the pitch. I don't know how things will turn out but my desire is to return to play for Milan.

"The club, my team-mates, the staff, they all wish me well. But everything is still left to see what happens. If I will be in a position to be a Milan player, I have this debt to repay to the club."

Ronaldo believes his rehabilitation from his career-threatening injury is going well.

While the 31-year-old is not expected to return until November, Ronaldo revealed he has stepped up work on his recovery.

"I am definitely better compared to 40 days ago," the three-times FIFA World Player of the Year continued.

"I'm walking better, the aid of the stick only serves as a little support.

"Now I am beginning another phase of my rehabilitation. I will go next week to Paris for another monthly ultrasound check, but I believe that things are going very well.

"There's still a long road ahead, that's why I have to go slowly, I'm taking it step by step so I don't delude myself much."