MILANO-Ronaldo was examined by Dr Saillant who was very satisfied with the progress he's making. This time the French Doctor played the part ofthe patient as he was recently injured in a motorbike accident. The Phenomen, who has a good sense of humor, made fun of the fact that it'snow Saillant's turn to be the one on crutches. He also joked about hispossible appointment as "the new Inter coach-player". Then he became serious again and said that he knows Moratti will make the right choice for the new coach and doesn't want to make a big fuss over Lippi: "It's normal to sign a new coach when things get difficult".
Ronaldo willstay in Paris tonight with his physiotherapist Nilton Petrone and his personal manager, Rodrigo Paiva. Tomorrow, he'll leave on schedule for Vail, Colorado and start a more intense fitness programme which has been agreed with Saillant and Combi on Monday. Ronie will have his next check-up in Paris in 6 weeks time.
Saillant said: "I found Ronie in good form and he's in great spirits". He then talked about Moratti whom he had talked to on the phone: "The Inter Chairman is a sensitive, smart and easygoing man. He doesn't put pressure on either Ronie or me to try and rush him back to playing again. That's really good because we can work in a more relaxed way". What about the Phenomenon 's return to the field? The Frenchman is confident: "On Monday we'll start the second phase of his recovery programme which should see a fitness schedule. Every week we'll see how the situation is going here in Vail. We'll meet again for a new check up on November 20th. We don't exclude the possibility of Ronaldo training with his team-mates again in January".
