MILAN – Milan’s remarkable fight-back last season, which ended with the Rossoneri finishing third in the league table, is often a subject of discussion in light of the club’s current situation.
For many, that comeback started at Napoli last season when Milan overturned a 0-2 deficit to draw 2-2. On the pitch that day from the first moment to the last was Francesco Acerbi.
Influential on and off the pitch, and remembered fondly as an honest and reliable person during his time with the club, the current Sassuolo defender had a testicular tumour removed in July but has recently confirmed a cancer relapse.
However, Acerbi did receive a pleasant surprise this week after a phone call from his idol George Weah.
The defender sent a message via twitter to Weah to wish him a happy new year and Weah responded by giving his support and encouragement.
A fantastic gesture by Weah and which will have been appreciated by Acerbi who is going through the biggest fight of his life right now.
ahh fuck man this is sad
fuck cancer. it's 2014 ffs time to find some cure
ahh fuck man this is sad
fuck cancer. it's 2014 ffs time to find some cure
The former Chievo, Genoa and Milan player celebrated his 26th birthday this week, but is fighting a relapse of the testicular cancer that had already been diagnosed in June.
Despite going through a course of chemotherapy, Acerbi can still be seen jogging at the club’s training ground.
“I stop and think that pain is only temporary,” wrote Acerbi on Twitter today.
“I never stop training because I know that soon I will be back on the field with my team.”
A testicular tumour was discovered during a routine medical over the summer, as blood tests showed some irregularities.
It was removed with surgery, but Acerbi then failed a doping test in December, showing elevated levels of a hormone that is created by tumours.
Whereas doctors had opted only for an operation the first time round, the relapse pushed them to advise a course of chemotherapy.
Yeah no. I do feel sorry for the lad but he was a very poor defender, particularly for us. I am sympathetic towards him cause of what he has been through but he is a terrible cb and players like him dont belong to milan. Neither does current mexes btw or zapata either. They are all trash.
wtf is wrong with u? did your mother drop you a lot as a kid?