After inspiring Portugal to their first-ever international title despite being forced off with a knee injury in the Euro 2016 final against France, Real Madrid superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has promised his fans that he will return stronger for the forthcoming season.
"A big hug to my fans and tell them everything is fine, I'll come back stronger. Viva Portugal," Ronaldo said in a video posted on his Instagram handle, according to Spanish newspaper Marca.
The 31-year-old played a key role in Portugal's Euro Championship campaign, scoring a crucial brace in a 3-3 draw with Hungary that took them through to the last-16 round and then the opener in the 2-0 semi-final win over Wales.
As the injury is anticipated to take around four weeks to heal, Ronaldo faces the prospect of missing the European Super Cup against Sevilla on August 9.
Real will kick start their La Liga campaign against Real Sociedad at the Estadio Anoeta on August 21.
