PICT1853.jpgTres Sportif PICT1854.jpg The Associated Press reports that after spending the last three months playing through some serious pain, Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo went under the knife last night for ankle surgery in Holland.

Happily, the operation appeared to be a successs - although it'll be at least a month until we know for sure!

"The initial indications are that the procedure was successful," United said in a statement. "Cristiano will begin his convalescence under the direction of club medical staff and an estimation of his return to full fitness will be possible following review by the specialist in one month."

A spokesman for the hospital where Ronaldo underwent surgery confirmed that the all-world winger is expected to check out tomorrow. In the meantime, X17's Dutch correspondents managed to snap a few pix of Cristiano grabbing a bite last night - hopefully he's feeling better now!