Federico Balzaretti admits that his long-term injury has brought him to tears, but he is determined to fight back to full fitness.
The full-back has been out of action for a number of months with a problematic pelvic injury that he has already revealed could spell the end of his career.
Federico Balzaretti admits that his long-term injury has brought him to tears, but he is determined to fight back to full fitness.
The full-back has been out of action for a number of months with a problematic pelvic injury that he has already revealed could spell the end of his career.
Even so, the 32-year-old has made clear in an interview released today that he is not yet considering giving up, even if the 10-month absence has been a torment.
“I admit it, I have cried,” Balzaretti has told weekly publication Chi.
“I did so in front of my Roma teammates, I cried on the phone to my wife, I cried alone, in anger and pain. But I never cried in front of my daughters.
“I have undergone two surgeries, but the groin pain that I suffer with has not healed. Indeed, it has caused a degenerative state, even after the second operation.
“For the doctors, perhaps I can no longer play football. I am not giving up. I have erased from my mind the thought of retiring, it hurts too much.
“I have been operated on twice, I have endured great pain, both physical and mental. I am working hard to get back to playing, whilst I want to be able to run, in the future, at the park with my kids, to play with them.
“I am aware that today, in the field I would not be able to play a whole game. I have to start over again mentally. I miss even the simple jog in the park.
“Luckily I have my family, my light. Even Roma have been wonderful to me. President James Pallotta could have gotten rid of me.
“What can he do with an injured Balzaretti? Instead, he has placed hope in me. My teammates have also been brilliant.”