Leandro Castan thanks Alessandro Del Piero for his support after brain surgery, and wants to ‘come back stronger than before’.
The defender went under the knife in December to remove a cavernoma, but has returned to pre-season training in Pinzolo.
Earlier today, Juventus legend Del Piero sent him a message congratulating him on his return to action, and Castan thanked him at a Press conference.
Leandro Castan thanks Alessandro Del Piero for his support after brain surgery, and wants to ‘come back stronger than before’.
The defender went under the knife in December to remove a cavernoma, but has returned to pre-season training in Pinzolo.
Earlier today, Juventus legend Del Piero sent him a message congratulating him on his return to action, and Castan thanked him at a Press conference.
“I read it on Twitter, I answered, and I’m very happy to read those words from a champion like him,” the Brazilian centre-back told assembled media.
“It gives me more strength to return as soon as possible to the levels of before. We need people like Del Piero in the world.
“I hope I can be an example, and come back to the levels I had before, and then annoy the fans of other teams! I’m happy to have received such affection though.”
Castan then went into more detail about his lengthy absence, and admits he doesn’t know when he’ll return.
“What did I miss most? The pitch, playing, being at the Olimpico. After the surgery I thought I could recover faster, I’m working very hard to get back to my level as soon as possible.
“I hope to be ready for the first game of the season, I gave up my holiday. I feel good after a heavy training load, it was important to miss a holiday for that.
“I’m working to be back as soon as possible, but I’m not a Coach. I’m working to be available as soon as possible, but it’s not like knee surgery, where you know the recovery time.
“I’ve never been afraid to make mistakes, I’m confident that I can get back to my level. I had this operation so I could play football, otherwise I’d have stayed in Brazil on the couch.
“It’s true that I haven’t played for a year, I’m lacking a bit of sharpness, but I’m sure I’ll get back to my level, I want to be back for the start of the League.
“I want to bring joy to the fans, I want to come back stronger than before.”