by ‘Ifreke Inyang

Former Argentina striker Gabriel Batistuta, has spoken out about the excruciating ankle pain he felt, after he decided to hang up his boots.

The 45-year-old was one of the most feared goalmouth assassins during his career, especially when he was with Fiorentina, where netted 168 goals.

It has not been easy for Batistuta, who is Argentina’s record World Cup goalscorer in retirement.

“I left football and overnight I couldn’t walk,” Batistuta told TyC Sports. “I wet the bed even though the bathroom was only three meters away. It was 4 am and I knew if I stood my ankle would kill me.

“I went to see Doctor Avanzi (a specialist in Orthopaedics and trauma) and told him to cut off my legs. He looked at me and told me I was crazy.

“I couldn’t bare it any longer. I can’t put in to words just how bad the pain was.”

He has since taken the less drastic treatment in the form of screws and is now able to enjoy playing golf without much stress.

“I chose the right leg, the doctor couldn’t do both,” he said. “I didn’t care. My problem is that I have no cartilage or tendons. My 86 kilos are supported by bones alone. That’s what generated the pain.

“I’m much better now than I was three years ago.”

ifreke

Ifreke Inyang is a public commentator and social media critic who has worked with a number of high profile publications across the country.