Fernando Redondo revealed some surprising details about his ill-fated Milan spell, disagreements with their doctors and training staff.
The Argentina international is now 49 years old and was on Milan’s books from 2000 to 2004, but only ever made 33 competitive appearances for the club due to an injury nightmare that kept him off the field for two-and-a-half-years.
“I had done pre-season training with Real Madrid, then transferred to Milan and everything was different,” the former midfielder told La Nacion newspaper.
Fernando Redondo revealed some surprising details about his ill-fated Milan spell, disagreements with their doctors and training staff.
The Argentina international is now 49 years old and was on Milan’s books from 2000 to 2004, but only ever made 33 competitive appearances for the club due to an injury nightmare that kept him off the field for two-and-a-half-years.
“I had done pre-season training with Real Madrid, then transferred to Milan and everything was different,” the former midfielder told La Nacion newspaper.
“The training sessions were really heavy-going and there was so much we had to do. I didn’t say anything, as I was too proud. It took a real toll on my muscles and I should’ve had a more gradual introduction.
“So, one day while attempting a move, I tore the anterior cruciate ligament. The first operation did not go well, as the Italian doctor who performed it was not a specialist in knee injuries.
“During the recovery process, my knee would swell up and it was very painful. The Milan medics urged me to push through the pain barrier, but the situation kept getting worse.
“So I asked (then CEO Adriano) Galliani to stop paying my salary until I could return to the playing field, but the truth was I needed to leave Milanello and go see other medical staff. It was a horrible situation.
“Professor Martens suggested I use a treatment called Bier Block, which was banned in Italy, and that worked on the central nervous system. It allowed me to play for another two years.”
Redondo retired in 2004 at the age of 35.