Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni has denied suffering a stroke during surgery in Italy over the Christmas.
The newspaper Libero originally carried a story which suggested that the 71-year old was at home recovering from a mild stroke suffered during surgery on 28 December. The story, which claimed that the stroke had caused partial paralysis down the right side of Trapattoni’s body, then grew legs and was reported by other Italian media sources.
In a statement released by the FAI, however, Il Trap said that although he did have surgery in his homeland at the end of last month, he did not suffer a stroke.
The statement read: “Giovanni Trapattoni underwent scheduled surgery before the New Year on the carotid artery. The operation went well, and he is recovering in a stable condition at home.”
In a personal statement, Trapattoni confirmed that he had undergone surgery but said he had not suffered a stroke, adding that he will be in Ireland when the squad for Ireland’s Carling Nations Cup match on 8 February is announced.
He said: “I had a scheduled operation to clean the carotid artery on December 28 in Milan. I am recovering well and expect to return to work in the coming weeks.
“Contrary to media speculation, I can confirm that I have not suffered a stroke. I will be in Ireland on January 24 to announce my squad for the Carling Nations Cup match against Wales on February 8.”
Despite Trapattoni’s denial, the episode is bound to raise concerns about the health and wellbeing of the Ireland manager, especially considering that he had to undergo minor abdominal surgery in Dublin in August after suffering a bout of food poisoning.
LISTEN: You Must Be Jokin’ podcast – listen to the latest episode now!
