Ronaldo sends Portugal support

Injured attacker disappointed to be missing out

By James Riach   Last updated: 14th October 2009  

Ronaldo sends Portugal support

Ronaldo: Sends support

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Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo has sent a passionate message of support to his international team-mates ahead of their game against Malta.

The Real Madrid star will not be linking up with the squad after he aggravated an ankle injury in Portugal's last match against Hungary and is set for a month on the sidelines.

Portugal must beat Malta to ensure a play-off spot in Group One, and Ronaldo is hoping his country can do the business without him.

"I want you to know that my heart will be with you at every minute of the match and that, like all the Portuguese, I will be proud of your efforts," he said in a message on Madrid's official website.

"I hoped with all my power to be able to fight for Portugal with you but, as you know, an unfortunate injury has prevented me from doing so."

Real Madrid were reportedly unhappy that Ronaldo had played in the game against Hungary, saying he was not fully fit to take part.

The world-record signing initially suffered his ankle injury in a UEFA Champions League game for Los Merengues against Marseille, but Portugal manager Carlos Quieroz decided he was ready for action.