Cristiano Ronaldo is hoping to weave his magic on the pitch as quickly as he can following ankle surgery last week.

By Mohd Sham (espnstar.com)

The Manchester United and Portugal winger is expected to be sidelined for up to three months after going under the knife for a long standing ankle problem last week in Amsterdam.

Despite fervent speculation over his future, with Real Madrid casting envious eyes on Ronaldo, the mercurial winger is first looking towards pencilling his return to the field.

Speaking ahead of attending the 2008 ESPY Awards in Los Angeles, Ronaldo said: "I'm injured now, but I hope to come back soon," he said on Sky Sports News. "I love to play and I love football. I miss the ball now."

Ronaldo even admitted to be tempted by a switch to the MLS in the future, although adding that it falls short of the current European elite.

"I prefer to play in Europe at the minute, but in the future, who knows?" he continued.

"David Beckham and Abel Xavier play there. I've spoken with Abel a few times and he says it's great. It's great to play here.

"The league it's much better than a few years ago, the future is getting better and better."