Juventus Star Reveals He Almost Quit Football During Summer After Son Diagnosed With Serious Illness

Juventus star Leonardo Bonucci has revealed that he almost quit football after his son was diagnosed with a serious medical condition.

The centre-back told Italian news outlet La Repubblica that he was on the cusp of hanging up his boots for good after his son, Matteo, had to undergo surgery to fix a problem relating to an operation he had had on his hernia.

Bonucci had only returned back home just days after Italy were knocked out of Euro 2016 when the issue arose and, describing the events and emotions he had after hearing the news, the 29-year-old divulged just how close he came to giving up his playing career.

He said: "He'd had a hernia treated, but we felt he wasn't the same boy anymore.

"A wonderful doctor at the Regina Margherita Hospital then detected a serious condition, and we had to intervene immediately, something had to be done the next day at eight AM. Matteo didn't come out until four in the afternoon.

"As he entered the operating theatre, Matteo roared like a lion at us, as if he wanted to make us feel braver, not himself. I sat in a corner and had a chat with God: 'your will be done, I told him, but please remember that he's only a kid'.

"In those weeks I considered quitting football, I just couldn't think about work, I had really put it to one side.

"Matteo was back home on August 10, 13 days after surgery - a record recovery."

Bonucci opted against calling time on his playing career after Matteo's operation was a success and, after plenty of speculation had linked him with potential moves to Premier League clubs Chelsea and Manchester City, the defender signed a new four-and-a-half year deal with Juventus on December 19.

The Italy international now says his son should make a full recovery, and says the fearful thoughts that gripped him in those dark days during the summer have now left.

He added: "[It is] the end of the fear that lasted from July until a few days ago. For Matteo we now often repeat a mantra: you are our champion, you have won the most difficult game.

"He's started playing with his brother again, soon they will even be fighting! Finally it is going well, physically and psychologically."

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