Quintero begins recovery process after knee surgery

Colombia and River Plate midfielder Juan Fernando Quintero has undergone successful knee surgery as he begins a recovery process that will take at least six months, the 26-year-old's agent said.

Quintero ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament of his left knee during River's 3-0 home victory over Independiente in the Superliga Argentina on Sunday, according to Xinhua news agency.

"Everything went well. The operation lasted two years," Quintero's representative Rodrigo Riep told Radio Continental on Thursday.

River Plate team doctor Pedro Hansing performed the surgery at a clinic in Buenos Aires, Riep said.

Quintero has been ruled out of the Copa America, to be played in Brazil from June 14 to July 7.

The injury came barely a month after the playmaker signed an improved contract that extends to 2022 and reportedly includes a 30 million-euro buyout clause.

Reigning Copa Libertadores champions River Plate have won their past four matches and are currently fourth in the Superliga Argentina standings with two rounds remaining.

--IANS

gau/bc