Osvaldo's family reassures: the star is vigilant after intervention

Daniel Osvaldo, former striker of Roma, Juventus and the Italian national team, underwent emergency surgery on Friday for a pleural effusion; his family confirmed that the 40‑year‑old is “in good health and alert”, despite being admitted to intensive care.

Emergency surgery and hospitalization

The operation was carried out at a public hospital in Llavallol, in the province of Buenos Aires, to treat a pleural effusion. After the surgery Osvaldo was transferred to intensive care, where doctors describe his condition as delicate but not life‑threatening.

“He’s doing well, and he’s alert,” the family told Clarín, via Corriere della Sera. The words reassured fans, who feared the worst after the news of the operation.

Doctors have not yet identified the cause of the lung infection that caused the effusion, leaving the search for a possible trigger open.

His football career and ties with England

In 2013‑14 Osvaldo was on loan at SOUTHAMPTON, scoring three goals in thirteen appearances. On 24 AUGUST, during the Barclays Premier League match against Sunderland, he was seen passing the ball to Sebastian Larsson at St Mary’s Stadium in SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND.

Born in Argentina, Osvaldo holds Italian citizenship and has worn the ITALY shirt, scoring four goals in fourteen caps. In Italy he played for Atalanta, Lecce, Fiorentina, Bologna, Roma, Juventus and Inter.

After a career that also included the UEFA Europa League with Inter, Osvaldo retired in the summer of 2020, after two matches with Argentine side Banfield.

In 2024 he publicly shared on Instagram his battle with depression and addictions, revealing a difficult period that followed the end of his playing career.

The shift from starring in Serie A and Premier League championships to being a patient in intensive care highlights the fragility of life, but also the strength of family and fans in supporting a former champion still admired.