After undergoing brain surgery back in 2014, Brazilian defender Leandro Castán says he’s still working to regain full fitness, and reveals a preference for Corinthians in Brazil.
Castán was diagnosed with a brain cavernoma – a cluster of abnormal blood vessels – after reporting dizziness in September 2014. For days, the defender of Roma coexisted with the possibility of hanging up his boots and even with a fear of death. He underwent surgery after being advised by his club and family, even without a guarantee that it would be successful. Since then, the 29-year-old Brazilian began to look at life with new eyes. He said: “I want to be better than before and reach my peak. I wanted to repay the affection of the fans and staff at Rome. I thought I was ready to play and wanted to accelerate my return. I was wrong. I should’ve accepted that I still wasn’t 100%. The club and the fans deserve to have 100% of me.”
He added: “Last year at this time, I didn’t know if I would ever play football again. I want to play regularly, however, to understand the situation, I should be patient and must wait. I’m working hard to play at least one more game until the end of this season. But in fact, I’m already eyeing the next season. I want to return to play at least 30 games a year, perform at a high level and be even better.”
About a return to his home nation, he said: “If I ever go back, it will be to make a difference. I will not just return to end my career. And if I happen to return, the priority will always be for Corinthians. I’ll go to another club in Brazil only if Corinthians do not want me. I’m a professional, but I have a huge gratitude for Corinthians. I am who I am because of Corinthians.”
After undergoing brain surgery back in 2014, Brazilian defender Leandro Castán says he’s still working to regain full fitness, and reveals a preference for Corinthians in Brazil.
Castán was diagnosed with a brain cavernoma – a cluster of abnormal blood vessels – after reporting dizziness in September 2014. For days, the defender of Roma coexisted with the possibility of hanging up his boots and even with a fear of death. He underwent surgery after being advised by his club and family, even without a guarantee that it would be successful. Since then, the 29-year-old Brazilian began to look at life with new eyes. He said: “I want to be better than before and reach my peak. I wanted to repay the affection of the fans and staff at Rome. I thought I was ready to play and wanted to accelerate my return. I was wrong. I should’ve accepted that I still wasn’t 100%. The club and the fans deserve to have 100% of me.”
He added: “Last year at this time, I didn’t know if I would ever play football again. I want to play regularly, however, to understand the situation, I should be patient and must wait. I’m working hard to play at least one more game until the end of this season. But in fact, I’m already eyeing the next season. I want to return to play at least 30 games a year, perform at a high level and be even better.”
About a return to his home nation, he said: “If I ever go back, it will be to make a difference. I will not just return to end my career. And if I happen to return, the priority will always be for Corinthians. I’ll go to another club in Brazil only if Corinthians do not want me. I’m a professional, but I have a huge gratitude for Corinthians. I am who I am because of Corinthians.”
