Match-winner Marcos Leonardo opens up about his mother's ICU stay | OneFootball

Marcos Leonardo was the protagonist of one of the biggest, if not the biggest, surprises of the FIFA Club World Cup so far.

His team, Al Hilal, ousted Manchester City, one of the favourites for the title, with two goals from the Brazilian, who also shared his family's difficult ordeal.

The athlete's mother, Leidiane, faced complications from a surgical procedure and was in an ICU for nearly two months. Recently recovered, she was able to watch the match featuring her son.

"I went through a tough time these last two months, my mother was intubated for 23 days and spent 60 days in the ICU. Today she is well, but these past two months have been difficult for me, for my family, and for everyone. When I scored those two goals, I immediately thought of her, who was able to watch the game today," he revealed, emotionally, to Cazé TV.

Marcos Leonardo is now waiting for Fluminense in a match scheduled for Friday. Despite having defeated Manchester City, the striker does not expect an easier game against the Brazilian side.

"It's going to be a great match. All the Brazilian teams have performed well in this competition. Hopefully, we'll come out with a qualification, but it's not going to be an easy game."