Lazio head coach Gennaro Gattuso revealed during an appearance at the Festival dello Sport di Trento that he has spent years managing an autoimmune eye condition with daily doses of cortisone.
Fifteen Years of Cortisone Treatment and Daily Management
Gattuso traced the origins of his condition back to his playing days when he was 34 years old, explaining that he walked away from the pitch while he still felt he had plenty to offer. To combat the autoimmune disorder affecting his vision, the manager relies on daily cortisone or immunosuppressants. Without them, he stated, his sight deteriorates significantly. He noted that he has abstained from alcohol for nearly seven years and must strictly monitor his diet to counteract the metabolic side effects of long-term steroid use.
Comparing Severe Illness and Personal Perspective
Reflecting on the psychological weight of the diagnosis, Gattuso pointed to patients who suffer far more severe forms of the same condition, noting that some individuals are left bedridden for months without movement. Rather than yielding to despair, the Lazio boss maintains a pragmatic outlook, emphasizing that he chooses to stay stronger than the illness because life always presents tougher hardships.
Public Health Message and Previous Revelations
The disclosures echo statements Gattuso first made public in December 2020 following a 1-1 draw between Torino and Napoli during his tenure on the Partenopei bench. At the time, he detailed experiencing double vision 24 hours a day and used the platform to encourage children struggling with unusual medical symptoms not to hide or feel fear. He reiterated that sentiment in Trento, framing his ongoing fight as a message of resilience for anyone struggling with unexpected physical challenges.
Broader Reflections on Football and Family at Trento
Beyond his health, Gattuso touched on various aspects of his career and personal life during his interview with journalist Luigi Garlando at the Teatro Sociale, as detailed by Il Messaggero. He also dismissed rumors of friction with club patron Claudio Lotito as urban legends, praising the president’s intelligence while expressing a preference for direct, face-to-face communication at the training ground over comments made in the press. On the pitch, the former midfielder reflected on his playing career, noting his tactics against formidable opponents like Oliver Bierhoff and Luca Toni, and shared personal grief regarding the loss of his sister six years prior, alongside hopes of eventually becoming a grandfather and eventually stepping away from football only when he no longer feels the sport’s emotional rush.
Next Fixture and Return to Serie A Action
Gattuso will return to technical duties following the international break as Lazio prepares to resume its domestic campaign. The club has not announced any changes to its coaching staff or medical bulletins ahead of the upcoming weekend fixtures.
Related reading
