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World Cup Champion Gianluca Zambrotta Opens Up About Rare Genetic Condition
Former World Cup winner Gianluca Zambrotta has publicly discussed the profound impact of a rare genetic condition on his life, over a decade after concluding his celebrated football career. The Italian, who triumphed in the 2006 World Cup, has revealed the challenges he faces due to genu varum, commonly known as bow legs, and the potential long-term implications for his health. This condition has significantly affected the retired footballer’s mobility and daily life.
Illustrious Career and Retirement
Zambrotta, a key member of Italy’s 2006 World Cup-winning squad, enjoyed a distinguished club career playing for prominent teams such as Barcelona, Juventus, and AC Milan. He retired from professional football in 2014, subsequent to his brief role as player-manager at Swiss club Chiasso. While his playing days were not marred by significant injuries, Zambrotta disclosed in a recent interview the considerable decline in his health since retirement due to this progressive ailment.
Understanding Genu Varum (Bow Legs)
The 48-year-old Zambrotta suffers from genu varum, a genetic condition characterized by the outward curving of the legs at the knees, even when the feet and ankles are touching. While frequently treatable in younger individuals, Zambrotta explained that his situation is more complex, and he is contemplating the possibility of needing prosthetics in the years ahead.
Former Italy defender Gianluca Zambrotta (centre) details his experience with a rare genetic condition
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Zambrotta shared the difficulties of living with bow legs on a recent podcast appearance
Zambrotta’s Testimony on Health Struggles
“Over time, my legs have become increasingly bowed,” Zambrotta stated on Italian presenter Gianluca Gazzoli’s BSMT podcast. He added, “Throughout my playing career, I avoided major injuries, though I underwent three operations on my internal menisci. Currently, I lack menisci in both knees, resulting in the pronounced bowing of my legs. Surgeons now use me as a case study.”
The former AC Milan star further mentioned that medical professionals are perplexed by his ability to walk given the severity of his condition. “Doctors examine me and express surprise at my ability to walk,” he revealed. “It is anticipated that within a few years, I will require a full prosthesis.”
Impact on Daily Life and Delayed Action
Zambrotta, who made over 200 appearances for Juventus during his prime and later moved to Barcelona, now finds even low-impact activities like recreational padel tennis challenging. He acknowledged that his condition has worsened partly because of a delay in addressing his physical deterioration.
“The issue has gradually deteriorated due to a combination of genetic predisposition and the absence of internal menisci,” he elaborated. “Perhaps I should have sought treatment sooner. I am scheduled to undergo surgery on both knees. Consultations with several leading surgeons nationwide have left them astonished at the condition of my knees and my capacity to engage in physical activities such as padel tennis.”
Zambrotta admits earlier intervention might have improved his current situation with the genetic condition
The former Italian international celebrated victory in the 2006 World Cup and earned a place in the Team of the Tournament
Forthcoming Surgical Intervention
Detailing the upcoming surgery, Zambrotta explained, “I am to undergo an osteotomy. This procedure will essentially straighten my legs by cutting andRealizar ajustes óseos above and below the knee, inserting plates to postpone the need for a full prosthesis, although a prosthesis will likely be necessary in the future.”
Post-Playing Career
Following his retirement from professional football, Zambrotta transitioned into coaching, taking on roles at Delhi Dynamos and Jiangsu Suning. He currently works as a football pundit in his home country.