Brazil and Real Madrid legend Roberto Carlos provides health update amid rumours of heart attack: 'I am recovering well'

Former Brazil and Real Madrid legend Roberto Carlos has reassured fans that he is recovering well after undergoing a heart procedure in Brazil. The former defender shared a picture from the hospital, smiling and giving an update on his health, putting to rest fears of a heart attack.

Roberto Carlos clarified on social media that he did not suffer a heart attack and that the medical procedure was planned in advance. “I would like to clarify recent information that has been circling. I recently underwent a preventative medical procedure, planned in advance with my medical team. The procedure was successful, and I am well. I did not suffer a heart attack,” he wrote.

“I am recovering well, and looking forward to returning to full fitness and resuming my professional and personal commitments soon. I sincerely thank everyone for the messages of support, care, and concern. I would like to reassure everyone that there is no cause for concern. My heartfelt thanks go to the entire medical team who took care of me,” he added.

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Hospital says Roberto Carlos is stable

Hospital Vila Nova Star in Sao Paulo said in a separate statement that Roberto Carlos, who is now a Real Madrid ambassador, had a heart obstruction detected on Monday and was advised to have a coronary angioplasty on the same day. The procedure is minimally invasive and widens blocked or narrowed heart arteries.

The hospital said Roberto Carlos is stable and will remain under observation in an intensive care unit due to medical protocols.

One of the most attack-minded left backs of all time, Roberto Carlos won 125 Brazil caps and played for 11 years at Madrid.

He was a member of Brazil’s World Cup teams which reached the final in 1998 and won in 2002. He also helped Brazil win the Copa America in 1997 and 1999.

He also achieved several individual honours, finishing runner-up for the FIFA World Player of the Year in 1997 and the Ballon d’Or in 2002. He was also named UEFA Defender of the Year in 2002 and 2003.

Carlos retired from professional football in 2012 at the age of 39. He also has an Indian connection, having served as player-manager of Delhi Dynamos (now Odisha FC) during the 2015 Indian Super League (ISL) season before leaving the club in 2016.

(With agency inputs)