Federico Balzaretti has admitted that his current injury could spell the end of his career, but is hopeful of a recovery.
The Roma defender has been out for 10 months with a pelvis injury, and the 32-year-old has conceded that he has been through a tough time.
“I wanted to hold this press conference to give you the latest on my injury and explain what I'm going through,” he told a Press conference.
Federico Balzaretti has admitted that his current injury could spell the end of his career, but is hopeful of a recovery.
The Roma defender has been out for 10 months with a pelvis injury, and the 32-year-old has conceded that he has been through a tough time.
“I wanted to hold this press conference to give you the latest on my injury and explain what I'm going through,” he told a Press conference.
“The issue came up around 10 months ago – I felt pain in my pelvis after the Torino game. As I'd never experienced anything like that, I just thought the pain would pass and I played the following game against Sassuolo” data-scaytid=”2″>Sassuolo.
“At the end of the match I had to stop and we noticed the injury to my pelvis.
“We tried an operation in the US but it didn't produce great results. Then we tried a number of other things in Germany.
“This injury prevents me from doing even the most basic things on the field – every time I kick the ball it flares up.
“I want to be honest with the fans, just as I have been with my teammates – sadly I still have months of rehab ahead of me.
“Sadly, this pain might end my career, but I want to say that I'll do everything I can to get back out there. I still feel like a footballer and I will try to get over this injury.
“I feel bad for my teammates, I feel guilty and I would like to be able to experience the highs and lows with them.”
The Italy international also wanted to take time to thank the Giallorossi doctors, and revealed that he could take a pay cut.
“I want to thank the doctors and club because I've never gone without – Roma is a family that have supported me in every area. I still have a lot of faith, I really believe in what I can do and I have a wonderful family around me
“As I've said, I will do everything to get back in action and that's what makes me feel alive and still a part of this squad.
“Take a pay cut? I've spoken to [President James] Pallotta – the club are free to do as they wish. This is not the issue at stake.
“The club has always been with me: the Giallorossi are a big family and treat you not as footballers, but as people. You notice a family when they help a player who's not healthy – this is something that marks Roma out from the rest.
“Everything we've done was agreed with the medical staff and I thank them: they've done and continue to do everything possible.”