Overview
- The former Real Madrid left back, 52, was admitted after tests for a small leg thrombus led to a whole-body MRI.
- Clinicians found his heart was functioning well below normal levels and moved him directly to the operating room.
- A catheter was placed in a procedure that extended from an expected 40 minutes to nearly three hours due to a complication.
- The surgery was successful and he is out of immediate danger under close medical observation for at least 48 hours.
- His circle conveyed a message from him reassuring supporters: “Now I’m fine.”