Igor Protti, heartbreaking announcement: "They found me an unwelcome guest"
Igor Protti published on Saturday a message that made the soccer world and all the fans who learned to love him between the ’90s and 2000s freeze their blood. The former Rimini striker, known among other things for his time in Serie A with Bari, Lazio, Napoli and Livorno, explained that he was struggling with a bad illness and wanted to face it with maximum strength.
“Hello everyone, this photo is from a few days ago in a hospital bed – revealed Protti on his official ‘Instagram’ profile – Unfortunately, a little over a month ago I had an unwelcome visitor. I underwent an initial surgery and next week I will begin treatment to try to improve the situation and be able to be operated on again in a few months”.
“It is a very tough game – continued Protti -, I know very well that you can win or lose but I will try my best as always. And as always I know I am not alone, I have my big and wonderful Family near me even if not everyone can be physically. Like when I was on the field and felt part of a big community today I also feel the closeness of all the friends and all those people who have followed me and loved me”.
“I thank the medical staff who took me in and will do everything to help me in this struggle. I apologize as of now if I will not be able to respond to everyone both by phone and here on Instagram in the coming months. I send you a strong and huge hug” are the words with which Protti’s message concludes.
Born in Rimini on Sept. 24, 1967, Protti remained connected to the world of soccer even after his retirement. Formerly sporting director of Tuttocuoio, he was then in two separate time intervals club manager of Livorno. It was precisely with the jersey of the Labronici that he had ended his career playing in Serie C1, B and then A. And in Tuscany he closed the incredible streak of having been top scorer in the first three Italian professional championships, after having become so in Bari for Serie A. An almost unique record, since he shares it at the moment with only Dario Hubner.
