Sassuolo” data-scaytid=”2″>Sassuolo defender Francesco Acerbi said chemotherapy “helped me realise many things” on the way to his Italy debut.
The 26-year-old was diagnosed with a testicular tumour in July 2013, then the cancer returned in December that year.
Sassuolo defender Francesco Acerbi said chemotherapy “helped me realise many things” on the way to his Italy debut.
The 26-year-old was diagnosed with a testicular tumour in July 2013, then the cancer returned in December that year.
He has fully recovered and after playing regularly this season earned a call-up for Italy’s friendly against Albania on Tuesday.
“I didn’t expect it, so this is a step forward and I am very happy,” Acerbi told Sassuolo Channel.
“I think I’ve done well this season and thank everyone, as my teammates helped me get to this point.
“The first game with Sampdoria I was aware I could do well, but also agitated and after such a long time out I was pretty tense.
“My goal against Parma was the icing on the cake, but this unexpected Italy call was wonderful. It reminds me I must always be concentrated and ready for anything. You must never take your foot off the gas, especially when things are going well.
“Of course I thank my family, that goes without saying. I was ill for many months, but I rolled up my sleeves and got working.
“I have always thanked the Coach, my teammates, Sassuolo and many people who helped me to get out of that situation.”
Although the first tumour was removed, Acerbi underwent a course of chemotherapy when the second tumour was discovered and saw it as a life-changing experience.
“I think chemotherapy is the key to this rebirth. It helped me realise many things, all that I had been losing over the past two years. I thank chemo, as it helped me understand where I was going wrong and brought back in me that desire to be a protagonist on the field.”
Acerbi said he had been fortunate to recover, but always kept a thought for others around the world dealing with cancer.
“I wish them all the best and to keep mentally strong. For those close to them to show their support, as that can only help emerge from that. I hope they can all have a happy ending, though I know that’s not always possible.”
Italy (probable): Buffon; Darmian, Ranocchia, Chiellini; De Sciglio, Candreva, De Rossi, Marchisio, Pasqual; Zaza, Immobile
Italy bench: Sirigu, Perin, Moretti, Rugani, Parolo, Bonaventura, Bertolacci, Soriano, El Shaarawy, Cerci, Pellè, Giovinco
Croatia (probable): Subasic; Srna, Corluka, Vida, Pranjic; Brozovic, Modric; Rakitic, Olic, Perisic; Mandzukic
Croatia bench: Kalinic, Vargic, Vrsaljko, Jedvaj, Lovren, Leovac, Halilovic, Badelj, Kovacic, Sharbini, Cop, Kramaric