Cristiano Ronaldo Knee Surgery Fears Addressed by FIFA-Accredited Doctor Ripoll

Cristiano Ronaldo doesn't need to worry about the long-term state of his knee, according to Doctor Ripoll, whose state-of-the-art medical centre is accredited by FIFA.

Ronaldo ended last season with continuous knee problems but battled through the Champions League final with Real Madrid and the World Cup with Portugal. Many have questioned whether his long-term health will suffer, but Ripoll has suggested CR7 has very little to worry about.

"There's no reason for concern," said the professional, reported by Marca. "Only 10 percent of these injuries require surgery."

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Ronaldo's fitness is back in the headlines after he was spotted with an ice pack on his knee during Portugal's defeat to France, per Jose Felix Diaz of Marca. His patellar tendinosis "needs TLC," according to Diaz, who noted Ronaldo has been receiving medical advice for "donkey's years" to deal with the effects of his powerful, pacey play.

There's no doubt his performances suffered at the conclusion of last season. While he was still able to aid Madrid's quest for La Decima, Ronaldo was unable to stifle concerns during Portugal's disappointing run in Brazil. He scored just one goal in the World Cup and failed to play at the level which saw him land last year's Ballon d'Or trophy.

The former Manchester United man has started this season in stunning form. Ronaldo has scored 13 goals in six La Liga matches, as well as two in two European ties, per WhoScored. He is the current favourite to win the 2014 Ballon d'Or, according to Oddschecker. Ripoll's comments suggest he could be competing at this level for years to come.

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Ronaldo certainly quashed any immediate concerns over his fitness during his nation's 1-0 win over Denmark on Tuesday. The Portuguese hero scored an excellent 95th-minute header to snatch three points for his nation, a side who continue to struggle through qualifying for the 2016 European Championships. OptaJose posted some interesting stats surrounding his record haul in the national shirt:

The player himself admitted to World Soccer Magazine he "forced" himself to play at the latter end of last season, reported via ESPN. "In your life you do not win without sacrifices and you must take risks," said Ronaldo.

Doctor Ripoll's comments indicate he may be taking less of a risk than many have suspected. Surgery wouldn't only halt Ronaldo's outrageous goalscoring form, it could test his ability to regain full fitness as he approaches his 30th birthday. This isn't what he wants heading into a season of potential success, so the doctor's opinion may ease some lingering fears.

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Of course, injury could end Ronaldo's hopes of a possible return to United once and for all. Although agent Jorge Mendes insists this is an "impossible" move, per ESPN, it would be a major disappointment if the player was unable to even consider the idea due to his knee problem. Lots of ifs and buts will always follow Ronaldo's fitness, but it is encouraging to hear he shouldn't feel any serious lasting niggles in the long run.