Former Livorno and Bari star announces illness on Instagram: “I`ve undergone initial surgery, treatments will begin next week”
“Hello everyone, this photo is from a few days ago, taken from a hospital bed. Unfortunately, just over a month ago, an unwelcome guest was found.” It is with this Instagram message that Igor Protti, 57, a former icon of Livorno and a player for clubs including Lazio, Napoli, and Bari, announced he is ill. The message, which immediately alarmed fans and supporters of `the Tsar,` reveals his determination to overcome the serious health issue with the same fighting spirit he showed on the field: “I have already undergone initial surgery and next week I will begin treatment to try and improve the situation and be able to undergo further surgery in a few months,” Protti`s message continues. “This is a very tough match, I know very well that you can win or lose, but I will give it my all, as always. And, as always, I know I am not alone; I have my great and wonderful Family by my side, even if not all of them can be physically present. Just like when I was on the field and felt part of a large community, today I also feel the closeness of all the friends and all those people who have followed and cared for me.”
Thanks
Protti then extends his thanks in advance, particularly to the medical team that has cared for him in recent weeks: “I thank the medical staff who have taken me in and who will do everything to help me in this fight. I apologize in advance if in the coming months I won`t be able to respond to everyone, both by phone and here on Instagram. I send you a strong and huge hug.”
