Lazio defender Patric confirms season over after surgery | OneFootball

The season is over for Lazio defender Patric, as the 31-year-old confirmed to fans he was forced to undergo ankle surgery after ‘months’ of battling injury.

The Aquile are preparing for the Europa League quarter-final against Bodo/Glimt and are still in the running for a top for Serie A finish.

However, they will have to do all that without Patric, who had until now played 18 competitive games, contributing one goal.

The Spaniard broke the news on his Instagram account with a lengthy message for the supporters.

Patric speaks to Lazio fans

“Dear Lazio fans, this message is for you. I owe you an explanation. Over the last few months, many things have been said, but I assure you that I always gave my all, fighting to the end, to get back to doing what I love the most: playing football.

“In November, during the match against Como, I felt a strong pain in my ankle. Thinking it was nothing serious, I carried on playing for a month and a half, with the help of anti-inflammatory drugs and painkillers.

“However, the ankle made it clear it could not keep going. After tests, I was diagnosed with a longtitudinal (split) lesion of the fibula.

“I had two options: have surgery right away or try a more conservative treatment. Without hesitation, I chose the second, to avoid missing the rest of the season.

“I did everything possible over the last two months to get back into shape. I hoped to the end that I could be ready to continue fighting with you, to give my contribution. But despite every effort, the ankle just wasn’t getting any stronger.

“I wanted to be there, but the pain and instability forced me to make a decision I never wanted to imagine: having an operation.

“Now a new path begins. I will work every day to return stronger than ever. Forza Lazio always. I love you all.”