Real Madrid striker Ruud van Nistelrooy has vowed to return from his career threatening injury that has placed the Dutch striker out of contention for the remainder of the season.

Van Nistelrooy tore his knee cartilage during Madrid’s 2-1 UEFA Champions League defeat at Juventus in October, which could see the 32-year-old out of football for the next 9 months.

The former Manchester United star told Spanish newspaper Marca: “This is one of the most difficult moments in my career, But I have two options - give up or fight. I know I need to fight and my battle has just begun."

It's pretty tough to be told that I will not return to play until the start of next season, that I will be sidelined for eight or nine months," he said.

Nistelrooy was sent to world famous knee surgeon Dr. Richard Steadman in America, who has performed surgery on top sports starts such as Joe Montana, Kobe Bryant, Ronaldo, Alan Shearer and Michael Owen.

"I had no other option but to undergo surgery. The injury was a serious one, I've gone to the best knee surgeon.

"He has done the same operation to American football players, basketball players and they always come out well.

"He told me that I will return to play and I will return to play. I want to return to top form and be the player I was before. I have lots of goals left to score for Madrid and many aims yet to achieve.

"I still have a Champions League yet to win and I will give everything to win it”.