Brazil’s former soccer star Roberto Carlos has had a surprising but successful heart operation.
According to Spanish media reports, the 52-year-old was on home leave and went to a hospital in Sao Paolo for a medical examination on his leg. It was then discovered that the former Real Madrid defender’s heart pumping capacity was extremely reduced. Doctors decided to perform emergency surgery after discovering a blood clot.
According to Marca, sources close to the 2002 world champion stated that he is currently on the mend. Carlos himself is said to have even told AS: “I’m fine now and I’m being monitored closely.” After the three-hour operation, the 127-time international player will remain in hospital under observation for two more days.
Roberto Carlos played 527 competitive games for Real Madrid from 1996 to 2007 and won four Spanish championship titles and the Champions League three times with the Royals. Today he is active as an ambassador for the club.