(Agencies)
Updated: 2008-03-18 10:06

SAO PAULO, Brazil - 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.

AC Milan owner and Italian politician Silvio Berlusconi insisted Tuesday that former three time world player of the year Ronaldo, pictured in February 2008, would stay with the European champions. [Agencies\File]

Pele on Friday said it would be "difficult'' for Ronaldo to recover and return to his level of play.

"I'm actually glad he said that,'' Ronaldo told Radio Globo Sunday night. "We all know Pele is known for making wrong predictions about everything. It usually happens the opposite of what he says.''

Ronaldo said he was not upset.

"I know he is an idol and is asked about all subjects,'' Ronaldo said. "Sometimes that puts him in difficult situations.''

On Sunday, friend and former Real Madrid teammate Zinedine Zidane said he is confident Ronaldo will overcome the knee injury.

"Ronaldo already proved in 2002 that he can overcome very difficult situations,'' the retired French playmaker said.

The 31-year-old Ronaldo, a three-time FIFA player of the year, ruptured a tendon in his left knee while playing for AC Milan last month.

"I need to be patient,'' Ronaldo said. "The first week was tough but I'm confident and ready to face the challenge. I hope to be able to return, and maybe even play for the national team again.''