Former Southampton striker Dani Osvaldo is in a serious condition in an Argentine hospital after undergoing emergency surgery. The 40-year-old was admitted with a pleural effusion, requiring an operation that removed part of his lung tissue.
Osvaldo, who also played for Roma and Juventus and represented Italy, was transferred to intensive care following the procedure. A friend, Pepe Ochoa, described the severity of his condition. "He was in a very bad way," Ochoa said. "He had been feeling very, very unwell for days; he had pus and fluid in his lung. They drained two centimetres from each lung."
A difficult recovery
The former forward is being treated at a public hospital in Llavallol, Buenos Aires, with his sister as his sole companion. Reports indicate he has no private health insurance and is facing financial difficulties. Osvaldo retired from professional football in 2016 after a spell with Boca Juniors, though he briefly returned with Banfield in 2020. He has previously spoken about battling depression after his playing career ended.
Southampton, the club where Osvaldo spent the 2013-14 season, currently sit 13th in the Championship with 10 points from eight games. Their recent form shows two wins, two draws and one defeat from the last five outings. Fans can also review the current standings as the season develops.
This story first appeared at Football Italia
