Atlético Madrid midfielder’s comeback from brain cancer and mother’s paralysis prompts outpouring of support
Emiliano Sala is back at the San Siro after two years away from football following his return from a tumour to his brain. An incredible story of determination and hope
Emiliano Sala was the first player to arrive in the San Siro for the first Champions League game of the season, as his club, Atlético Madrid, came from behind to beat Barcelona.
There was a slight hitch however: the goalkeeper’s arm was stuck to his side because of his crutches. The Atlético team was about to take a penalty kick when the goalkeeper and his team-mates came back from the bench with four medical staff to attend to their injured star.
Sala looked stunned at the sight of a doctor and four nurses. And the Atlético player’s eyes were immediately opened to the power of a strong, persistent will. In a short time, he managed to get back on his feet and keep on playing.
For two years, after a stroke cut off his right hand, Sá, a midfielder and attacking coach, had been unable to play. Atlético, with their high-powered attack, had lost the league title. It was a devastating time, but after a meeting with the club’s doctors, Sala, the son of immigrants from Sicily, decided to change his life. He had to be given a second chance.
It took two years of rehabilitation, but when he realised he could not return to his normal football, he had to have his condition kept secret. He was the first footballer to return from a brain tumour in his 30s.
It was a traumatic ordeal, but one that led to his return to the club where he had played from a young age. It was a triumphant moment for the Atlético player. This was the second time he had been a starter in a Premier League game. He did not have to be at Atlético Madrid for long, however, with his former team Barcelona eager to buy the Atlético player.
“I think if the club is willing to invest that amount of money, that’s a bonus,” he says. “When you know you come back from brain cancer, it’s quite a good feeling to play again.” Atlético signed him for the fourth time in his career, but he immediately made his first Premier League appearances, substituting Diego