Ronaldo 'cursed by witch doctor'

Portugal superstar Cristiano Ronaldo's hopes of playing in the World Cup are all but over, if you believe in witch doctors.

Ghana’s most influential witch doctor has claimed responsibility for the leg injuries that are threatening his participation in Portugal's World Cup opener.

A statement from the Portuguese FA has confirmed Ronaldo is suffering from tendinosis in his left knee as well as nursing a muscle problem in his left thigh.

While he is undergoing intensive rehabilition, Nana Kwaku Bonsam – whose name translates literally as “Devil of Wednesday” - is sure he will not recover in time.“I know what Cristiano Ronaldo’s injury is about, I’m working on him,” Bonsam said in an interview with the Kumasi-based Angel FM.

Witch doctor Nana Kwaku Bonsam says he has cursed Ronaldo.

“I am very serious about it. Last week, I went around looking for four dogs and I got them to be used in manufacturing a special spirit called Kahwiri Kapam.“I said it four months ago that I will work on Cristiano Ronaldo seriously and rule him out of the World up or at least prevent him from playing against Ghana and the best thing I can do is to keep him out though injury.“This injury can never be cured by any medic, they can never see what is causing the injury because it is spiritual. Today, it is his knee, tomorrow it is his thigh, next day it is something else.” The witch doctor's claims come as Ronaldo and injured teammate Raul Meireles continued to work separately from the bulk of the squad training at the New York Jets' facility in Florham Park near New York. Ronaldo looked relaxed and smiled for the cameras at the NFL franchise's state-of-the-at training centre, where he jogged around a playing field. "Cristiano Ronaldo and Raul Meireles carried out the programs pre-established by the medical department for their injuries, specific treatments and rehabilitation exercises on the field," the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) said on its website. Portugal's injury crisis deepened with news that Ronaldo's club teammate Pepe did not attend the training session. The injury concerns could deal an early blow to Portugal's World Cup bid as they face a tough first round in Group G, which also includes powerful Germany, Ghana and the United States. Portugal's first World Cup match is against Germany on June 16.