Inter Milan youngster forced into retirement aged 21 due to heart condition
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Inter Milan youngster Felice Natalino has been forced to retire from football at the age of 21 due to continuing heart problems.
In 2012, doctors found an irregular heartbeat on Natalino and the defender underwent emergency heart surgery earlier this year.
He had hoped to make a comeback to football, but after consulting with his doctors, he has opted to put away that dream.
Natalino told La Gazzetta dello Sport: "My doctor told me not to push things and that I should avoid putting too much stress on my heart.
"On one hand I am sad, but on the other I am happy - I am good, which is what matters.
"I have been told that I could play outside of Italy but it is I who don't want to push my heart.
"I am helping my dad with his footballing school, Virtus Sambiase. There are lots of youngsters so I will look to give them advice.
"Things could have gone worse, just as they could have gone better. Regardless, thank you to everyone and most of all to my Inter who continue to stay close to me."
Natalino made two official appearances for the Nerazzurri in the 2010 season before spending time on loan at Hellas Verona and Crotone.
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| Felice Natalino made his debut in Serie A and the Champions League with Inter Milan aged 18 Photo: Reuters |
In 2012, doctors found an irregular heartbeat on Natalino and the defender underwent emergency heart surgery earlier this year.
He had hoped to make a comeback to football, but after consulting with his doctors, he has opted to put away that dream.
Natalino told La Gazzetta dello Sport: "My doctor told me not to push things and that I should avoid putting too much stress on my heart.
"On one hand I am sad, but on the other I am happy - I am good, which is what matters.
"I have been told that I could play outside of Italy but it is I who don't want to push my heart.
"I am helping my dad with his footballing school, Virtus Sambiase. There are lots of youngsters so I will look to give them advice.
"Things could have gone worse, just as they could have gone better. Regardless, thank you to everyone and most of all to my Inter who continue to stay close to me."
Natalino made two official appearances for the Nerazzurri in the 2010 season before spending time on loan at Hellas Verona and Crotone.
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