Igor Protti: 3-0 down against cancer, aiming for a comeback | OneFootball

The former Napoli and Livorno striker shares his battle against the illness: “I’m afraid of the future, but I won’t stop fighting.”

Igor Protti: “I’m starting 3-0 down against the tumor, but I want to turn the game around”

Igor Protti, the historic striker and symbol of the Livorno team, spoke openly for the first time about the illness that has struck him, following his social media announcement on July 5: “I have a very unwelcome guest.” In an interview with Il Tirreno, the former footballer recounted the most difficult moments of recent months, marked by a stoma surgery and an ongoing cycle of chemotherapy.

A daily challenge, between fear and resilience

“I’m taking it day by day. Some days are easier, others much harder. Since June, my world has changed,” says Protti, who now spends most of his time at home, trying to manage his energy with short walks and moments of rest.

Fear, he admits, is an inevitable companion:

“I’m afraid and I have no problem saying it. Fear is a natural feeling, it helps you survive. From the outside, I’ve always been seen as a warrior, but I’m a man, I have my weaknesses. I’m afraid to look to the future: once I felt immortal, only thinking about what would come next. Then a diagnosis comes, and that future becomes an unknown.”

The field metaphor: “I’m 3-0 down, but I want to come back”

With the determination that has always distinguished him on the field, Protti faces his battle with the spirit of a footballer:

“This is a cruel match. I came onto the field late, with him leading 3-0. But comebacks happen, and I will try.”

The affection of the fans and the return to the stadium

Despite the illness, Protti returned to the Armando Picchi stadium on August 22 to watch Livorno’s debut in Serie C:

“I wanted to be there, I arrived with the chemotherapy attached. I cried a lot, tears of affection and nostalgia. I thought: what if it’s the last time? But I wanted to be there to thank those who showed me support: fans, friends, my family.”

Beside him were his partner Daniela, his children Nicholas and Noemi, his grandchildren, and his lifelong friend Cristiano Lucarelli:

“He was supposed to kick off, but he said to me: ‘Igor, forget it. Come to the center of the field with me.’ I love him, he’s generous.”

A message for those who fight

Protti’s presence was not only symbolic but also a message of hope:

“There must have been someone among those 7000 who is fighting the same battle as me. To them, I send my warmest embrace.”

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇮🇹 here.