Former AS Roma defender Leandro Castan has opened up about his harrowing battle with a brain tumour that threatened not just his football career, but his life.
The Brazilian centre-back, who played for Roma between 2012 and 2016, revealed doctors discovered a potentially deadly tumour during a routine medical examination in 2015.
The Shocking Diagnosis
"It was the most terrifying moment of my life," Castan admitted in an emotional interview. "I went for a standard check-up, and suddenly they're telling me I have a brain tumour that needs immediate surgery."
The diagnosis came at the peak of his career, with Castan having established himself as a key player in Roma's defence under manager Rudi Garcia.
The Road to Recovery
Castan underwent successful surgery to remove the tumour but faced a gruelling rehabilitation process. "The doctors told me I might never play football again," he revealed. "But I was determined to prove them wrong."
After months of intensive therapy, the defender made a remarkable return to professional football, though he admits: "Every header still makes me think about what happened."
Life After Football
Now retired from professional football, Castan has become an advocate for regular medical check-ups in sports. "If I hadn't had that routine scan, I might not be here today," he said.
The former defender also shared how the experience changed his perspective: "Football was my life, but health is everything. That tumour taught me what really matters."
