Brazilian football icon Roberto Carlos has provided a positive update on his health, confirming he is recovering well after undergoing a planned heart procedure. The 52-year-old World Cup winner took to social media to dispel rumours of a heart attack and reassure fans about his condition.
Clarifying the Rumours: No Heart Attack
Earlier this week, speculation spread across social media platforms suggesting the former Real Madrid defender had suffered a serious heart attack. However, Carlos himself moved quickly to set the record straight. In a post from his hospital bed, where he shared a smiling picture, the legendary left-back stated clearly, "I did not suffer a heart attack."
He explained the situation was far less alarming than the online rumours suggested. "I recently underwent a preventative medical procedure, planned in advance with my medical team," Carlos said. He confirmed the procedure was successful and that he is feeling well, looking forward to resuming his professional and personal commitments soon.
Details of the Medical Procedure
According to a statement from Hospital Vila Nova Star in Sao Paulo, Brazil, the situation unfolded on Monday. Medical staff detected a heart obstruction and advised the footballer to undergo a coronary angioplasty the same day. This is a common, minimally invasive procedure designed to widen blocked or narrowed heart arteries, improving blood flow to the heart muscle.
Spanish media had initially reported on Wednesday that Carlos had undergone surgery in his home country. His clarification confirms the intervention was a planned, preventative measure rather than an emergency response to a cardiac event like a heart attack.
A Glittering Football Career
Roberto Carlos is widely regarded as one of the greatest full-backs in football history. His illustrious career with the Brazilian national team and club sides spanned over two decades.
His major achievements include:
- Winning the 2002 FIFA World Cup with Brazil and finishing as runner-up in 1998.
- Lifting the Copa America trophy twice in 1997 and 1999.
- Earning 125 caps for the Brazilian national team.
- Winning the UEFA Champions League three times with Real Madrid (1998, 2000, 2002).
- Securing four La Liga titles (1997, 2001, 2003, 2007) during his 11-year stint at Real Madrid.
- Finishing as runner-up for the FIFA World Player of the Year in 1997 and the Ballon d'Or in 2002.
For Indian football fans, Carlos holds a special connection. He served as the player-manager for Delhi Dynamos during the 2015 season of the Indian Super League (ISL), leaving a mark on the growing football landscape in the country.
Fans and the football community worldwide are now wishing the legend a speedy and complete recovery, hoping to see him back in action soon, whether on the pitch or in his various ambassadorial roles.
