Ligue 1 - Thuram has heart problem

Eurosport - Fri, 27 Jun 15:54:00 2008

Former France defender Lilian Thuram has revealed he could not sign a deal with Paris St Germain because of a heart problem.

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Thuram said the problem had been spotted during a medical examination after which he had been expecting to join PSG from Barcelona on a one-year deal.

"I am sadly not holding this news conference to tell you that I'm joining PSG but to tell you that the doctors have detected a heart malformation," he said.

"It's a total surprise, I didn't see it coming," added Thuram, who will undergo further tests to determine how serious the problem is.

"In a month or so I should know whether I can pursue my career or if I have to stop," he said.

Thuram said the problem, believed to be a heart hypertrophy, could be the same as the condition suffered by one of his brothers, Antonio, who died of a heart attack while playing basketball in the 1990s.

"It seems to be the same illness as my brother," Thuram said, adding that other members of his family suffered from heart problems.

PSG coach Paul Le Guen said he hoped Thuram would eventually be able to join the capital club.

"I still hope he will be able to help us out," Le Guen said.

The 36-year-old Thuram, a member of France's 1998 World Cup-winning team, won a record 142 caps for his country. He announced his international retirement after France's group-stage exit from Euro 2008.

One of the most popular French players, Thuram helped the side to win the 2000 European Championship and reach the final of the 2006 World Cup. He played for Monaco, Parma and Juventus before joining Barcelona in 2006.

Reuters

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  1. Salut !

    How come this heart problem was not spotted all these years that Lilian has been playing top-flight football? Or does the condition manifest with age? Irrespective of the outcome of further tests, I would suggest Lilian quits professional football completely. He has nothing else to prove because he's won it all!!!!!!!!!

    Lilian, go take care of your health and your family. Enjoy your life while you can.
    Goodluck to you because you very lovely guy on and off the football field.

    Best regards!

    From Kukuski, on Fri 27 Jun 6:01PM

  2. He got France to the 1998 final, singlehandedly defeating Croatia with 2 goals out of nowhere. An illustrious career, shame it had to end with a shameful Euro 2008 exit. All the best, and hopefully all is well on the health front!

    From Ivo S, on Fri 27 Jun 3:59PM

  3. All the best Lilian! I hope the problem proves not to be too serious. As a fan of Juve (and Parma to some extent) I have always admired You as a player and a person. The 'grande France', the team that (alas for me, Italian) won so much in the last 10 years, had in you its pillar. Obviously you contributed desively to the World Cup.
    There is almost nothing to add to your career, but I wish you can still play as long as it makes fun to you.

    Good luck!
    Giovanni

    From Giovanni T, on Fri 27 Jun 3:41PM
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