Buenos Aires has spent the weekend sending concern across the football map once travelled by Pablo Daniel Osvaldo, the former Italy forward whose career took him through Spain, Italy, England and Argentina. Osvaldo, 40, was admitted to hospital on Saturday with a pleural effusion, a build-up of fluid around the lungs, and his family has now issued a statement to correct a series of reports about his condition.
The message, released at Dani Osvaldo’s own request, said the former RCD Espanyol player is conscious, stable and receiving intensive care treatment. His family confirmed that doctors are treating the pleural problem and that he underwent an operation to clean the affected area.
A wait for a precise diagnosis
Medical cultures have been taken and the family said the results will be decisive in identifying the infection and choosing the appropriate treatment. They explained that the tests require time, but are essential before doctors can establish the exact diagnosis.
The statement also firmly rejected claims that Osvaldo had arrived at hospital in destitution, had had part of a lung removed, was suffering from leg complications, or that his illness was connected to substance use. The family said he had sought care after several days of pain and loss of appetite, in circumstances no different from those facing any other patient.
Known as “Pistolero” during a playing career that ranged across several countries, Osvaldo won 14 caps for Italy and represented a long list of clubs, including Espanyol. His family thanked those who have sent messages of encouragement and affection while he remains under observation in Buenos Aires.
