Former Swansea City and Brighton midfielder Andrea Orlandi has been forced to retire aged 34 after discovering he has heart disease. The issue was detected in a recent medical for the player currently with Italian side Virtus Entella. "I felt like this was coming after I had the medical but until it was made official I still had that glimmer of hope," he told Brighton's website. "Sadly it is not safe for me to play on," he added. "I was devastated when the doctor broke the news. However, I am coming to terms with it quite quickly and am so thankful to all the medical staff who have helped me. "I could have had an operation to try and carry on playing, but at 34 it would have been risky and stupid to do so. I have to think about my future more than football now. "The truth is I could have died during my career, so I must look at the bright side, that I am still here with my wife and kids and that I enjoyed many years playing the game I love." Orlandi spent five seasons with Swansea, helping them to achieve promotion to the Premier League, before enjoying two years at Brighton. He also represented Blackpool, Cypriot sides Anorthosis Famagusta and Apoel Nicosia and Italian clubs Novara Calcio and Virtus Entella as well as having a spell in India with Chennaiyin.
Lucky it was discovered as it was ,there's more to life than kicking a ball and at 34 his best are way past him but good luck for the future ,
Orlandi was one of my favourites at the Liberty. An excellent footballer, he was a bit of an enigma and suffered with injuries. I don’t think we ever saw the real best of him, but as a footballer he had that bit of quality about him.
Always thought the lad was quality, technically very gifted, injury made him a bit part player and as you say I think the injuries stopped us seeing the best of him.
Agreed - great technically, had an eye for goal - but at times seemed physically ‘a bit lightweight’ for the British type of robust, hustle and bustle game.
Think it's all been covered by previous posts. All the best YJB, take it easy & good luck for the future with your family...
Health is far more important, you cannot put a price on it, and it's good that he has been alerted to his health issues early, he can now adjust his life style accordingly, I always rated Orlandi, and I'm on record for complaining of his lack of use while he was at the Liberty, both him and Bouza were from the Martinez era, what great memories these boys gave us, wish him all the very best and a long and healthy life, live long and prosper omego!!........
