Lazio’s medical staff have hit back after criticism of their handling of Stefan de Vrij’s injury.
The Dutch defender has missed most of the season after knee surgery, with the injury dating back to last season.
“We read some statements in a national newspaper which have also been made on various radio stations in recent months,” team doctor Roberto Bianchini said on Lazio Style Radio.
Lazio’s medical staff have hit back after criticism of their handling of Stefan de Vrij’s injury.
The Dutch defender has missed most of the season after knee surgery, with the injury dating back to last season.
“We read some statements in a national newspaper which have also been made on various radio stations in recent months,” team doctor Roberto Bianchini said on Lazio Style Radio.
“In relation to the last item on Saturday 30 April, it really is unbearable to read that our professionalism is being measured in terms of the amount we’re paid.
“Our pay is personal, and for privacy reasons it’s not for others to know. It’s the result of the relationship each physician has with the club.
“It’s unthinkable that we’re paid in coins, it really is an absurd idea in a structure like this.
“In addition, to convey the message that an unpaid physician should be considered a second-class professional is really an accusation that we cannot accept.
“We accepted what the club offered us. Our professionalism isn’t something which can be doubted. This story hurt us.
“Having doubts is legitimate, but before writing certain things you have to think.
“It’s true that we’ve had 57 injuries this year, but when you’re talking about medical issues you have to understand the nature of them.
“Of the injuries, 26 are muscular and 31 are muscular trauma. Compared to last year, muscular injuries are slightly higher, but remember this year we’ve had as many as 57 games.
“I wish these people would explain what a doctor is supposed to do to prevent an impact injury? At that point all you can do is come up with a recovery plan and make it available to the Coach and the athlete.
“To comment on muscular problems also takes a certain skill. A muscular injury is related to physical characteristics, age, an athlete’s pain threshold as well as other factors.
“There are several parameters from athlete to athlete. It’s one thing to heal an injury on the medial, another on the adductor.”
Orthopaedic surgeon Roberto Lovati also commented.
“I share the thoughts of Bianchini about professionalism. My dedication and commitment is the same in a private practice and a hospital.
“I read the article on Saturday and I was taken aback. They talked about [Santiago] Gentiletti, De Vrij and [Ricardo] Kishna. Santiago never had a knee problem.
“He had problems related to his posture, we had to do gymnastic work and reset the player to limit those injuries. It was written that he still had a problem with his knee, which is absurd.
“On De Vrij, we have to specify one thing: no patient can be forced to undergo a surgical procedure against his will.
“Before April of last year he had never experienced knee problems. He came out of the match against Empoli with a meniscus problem.
“Then, partly because he wanted to keep playing for the Dutch national team and partly for personal reasons, he didn’t want to undergo surgery.
“We tried some conservative therapy, even though we told him that sooner or later he should have an operation.
“The Dutch doctor advised him that, before working on the knee, he should correct the problem with his pubic bone, and that would be enough.
“We were not of that opinion.
“Finally, Kishna I evaluated personally with an MRI. We were ready to operate, but he preferred to go to the Netherlands, with the surgeon who had previously operated on him.
“Wizards don’t exist in medicine, but the club has always been made aware of the condition of a player when he arrives in Rome.
“If we were to accept only completely healthy players you’d be left with about two or three.
“It’s normal that if an athlete is coming off a career of many years, with some injuries, they might have some problems and not be in completely top condition.
“At that point we have to talk to the club and tell them about the pros and cons.”