Former RCD Espanyol striker Daniel Osvaldo is in a serious condition in the intensive care unit of a public hospital in Buenos Aires. The 40-year-old underwent emergency surgery on Thursday night after suffering a pleural effusion in his right lung that contained pus.
Reserved prognosis
His sister found him at his home after several days of feeling unwell and, with the help of a friend, he was taken to the medical centre. Journalist Pepe Ochoa detailed the procedure: "The doctors removed two centimetres from each lung". The former player's prognosis remains reserved. This health crisis comes in the context of personal struggles Osvaldo has shared publicly. Two years ago, in a social media video, the former forward admitted to problems with alcohol and drugs, linked to severe depression. "I am at a moment where my life is slipping out of my hands," he confessed at the time, asking his family for forgiveness and encouraging others to seek help.
Espanyol spell
Osvaldo enjoyed one of his best sporting periods wearing the Espanyol shirt. He arrived on loan from Bologna in early 2010 and the club exercised the purchase option that summer. During his time at Cornellà-El Prat he scored around twenty league goals before being transferred to Roma in August 2011 for 17.5 million euros. After his spell at Espanyol, his career took him to Juventus, Inter, Southampton, Porto and Boca Juniors, and he also earned caps for the Italian national team. He first retired at age 30, tired of the pressure of professional football, and after a brief comeback hung up his boots for good in July 2020 to dedicate himself to music. He had recently returned to the sport as a television commentator.
While Espanyol fans follow the condition of their former idol, the first team is facing a tough season. RCD Espanyol sit 15th in La Liga with 7 points after seven matchdays, with a record of two wins, one draw and four defeats. Their recent form is a concern, with four defeats in their last five matches. Also, the team has struggled to keep a clean sheet, conceding 13 goals so far this season, an average of nearly two goals against per game. Their last outing was a 3-1 defeat to Elche and their next fixture is a visit to bottom side Malaga on October 9th.
The original report is at La Vanguardia Deportes
