Goal machine Batistuta, remembered by Croats, once asked for his leg to be amputated due to severe pain

Gabriel Batistuta, once a feared striker renowned for his goal-scoring prowess, has endured a different kind of battle off the pitch. The Argentine legend, who captivated fans during his nine seasons with Fiorentina and represented his country with distinction, faced debilitating pain in his left leg after retiring from football.

Batistuta's career was marked by incredible success, including winning titles with Roma and earning numerous individual accolades. He was recognized by Pelé as one of the world's best living players and held the record for most goals for Argentina until Lionel Messi surpassed him. His powerful presence and clinical finishing made him a fan favorite, even earning a memorable mention from the late Croatian coach Ćiro Blažević, who famously stated he wouldn't trade Davor Šuker for ten Batistutas.

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My problem is that I have no cartilage or tendons. My 86 kilograms are supported only by bones, and that is what caused the pain.

However, post-retirement, Batistuta's life took a difficult turn. The injuries that plagued him during his playing days intensified, leading to unbearable pain in his leg. The condition, stemming from a lack of cartilage and tendons, meant his 86 kilograms were supported only by bone, causing immense suffering. At one point, the pain was so severe he couldn't walk to the bathroom at night, prompting him to ask doctors to amputate his leg.

Fortunately, medical intervention provided a solution. Doctors implanted a prosthetic device in his leg, significantly alleviating the pain and allowing him to regain mobility. While his playing days are long over, Batistuta's resilience in overcoming his physical challenges offers another chapter to his remarkable story.

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After I stopped playing football, I felt terrible pain. At night, I couldn't get out of bed and go to the bathroom, which was only a few meters away. I went to the doctor and begged him to cut off my leg, but he told me I was crazy.