SUNDERLAND legend Marco Gabbiadini has revealed that he is to undergo a triple heart bypass operation.
The former Premier League star gave fans a shock update on his health.
The 56-year-old told the BBC that he discovered that his heart was “working at about 20 per cent” of its capacity after he spoke to doctors following a “slight issue” in his chest.
Gabbiadini, who made almost 200 appearances for the Black Cats, revealed that he noticed the issue after feeling “heartburn” while exercising in the gym.
After a checkup at the doctors he was told that he would need to undergo a triple heart bypass operation.
The former striker, who normally keeps his private life private, has used the scare to urge others to ensure they’re in good health.
Speaking to the BBC, he said: “I’m usually pretty private but I just felt we’re privileged to have this platform and I just wanted to highlight it and get people to do something about it if they have an issue.”
Things haven’t been plain sailing for the Nottingham-born former pro, however, as his surgery has been postponed.
Gabbiadini took to X to update his fans with the news, while keeping a lighthearted view on the positives of the delay.
He wrote today: “Unfortunately surgery not happening today.
“Nothing serious. I’m a priority to be seen asap, not sure if that’s good news really.
“Good news is no hoovering or gardening or watching sport on TV! A bit stressed but all the messages have been a comfort so will keep them in mind!”
Fans were quick to flood Gabbiadini’s replies with messages of support following the news.
One wrote: “Hope you get in and get sorted out asap, Gabbas lad.”
While another added: “Wishing you all the best on the upcoming surgery and the road to recovery.”
A third commented: “Take care Marco and sending best wishes for your recovery when you do have the operation.”
And a fourth wrote: “Get well soon, Marco. Hope everything goes as planned. SAFC Legend.”
Gabbiadini stays close to football as a pundit on BBC Radio Newcastle, but also has a totally different life away from the pitch.
After hanging up his boots at the age of 35, the star striker turned to hospitality and now runs a B&B in York.
His Bishops guest house, which he opened in 2003, is now recognised as one of the best B&Bs in the Yorkshire city.
Speaking to SunSport last year, he said: “You have to have a plan for when you retire. And we had four kids who were under 11 at the time.
“I did my coaching badges, but being a manager wasn’t what I envisaged doing for the rest of my life.
“My wife and I are both from York. A lot of footballers have that dilemma where their missus is from Liverpool or Southampton, so where do you end up?
“And both are families came from the hotel and guest house business, so I suppose when you roll all those things together it wasn’t a bad choice. After all, it’s York’s biggest industry.”
