The goal of a lifetime! Acerbi and the story like in the movies, from alcohol addiction to the fight with cancer

2025-05-07 15:32:35, Sport CNA

The goal of a lifetime! Acerbi and the story like in the movies, from alcohol

It is often said that life writes the most incredible scenarios. And when you read the story of Francesco Acerbi, you can't help but agree with that.

At the age of 37, in the 95th minute of the match against Barcelona, ??he scored his first goal in Europe. And what a goal! A goal that tied the score at 3-3 and sent the match into extra time, where Inter secured qualification for the Champions League final.

Inter will aim to return to the top of Europe after the success of 2010, and in the team they have one of the strongest, not only on the pitch, but also in life. Acerbi's life story is not just football, but a story worthy of a movie.

It is a challenge with loss, pain, facing oneself and, above all, rising again.

From his humble beginnings in Pavia, to loans to small teams like Renate and Spezia, his journey passed through Regina, Genoa and then Chievo, where he debuted in Serie A. The dream seemed to come true when he transferred to Milan.

The goal of a lifetime! Acerbi and the story like in the movies, from alcohol

But life had prepared a difficult path for the defender. The loss of his father plunged him into depression and created an addiction to alcohol.

In a touching confession, Acerbi said: "It seemed to me that I had forgotten how to play football. Alcohol was my salvation. Cancer saved me. It gave me a strong reason to fight."

Yes, he faced testicular cancer in 2013, shortly after his transfer to Sassuolo. He recovered after surgery, but an anti-doping test revealed a relapse of the disease. Despite undergoing chemotherapy, he continued to train. His determination made him a symbol for fans and beyond.

Today, Francesco is more than a footballer. He is the voice of those who struggle in silence. He visits hospitals, speaks to children, gives interviews where he emphasizes that football is just a part of life.

On a visit by the Italian national team to a pediatric hospital in Rome, while all his teammates left, Acerbi stood there saying: "I'm not leaving without finishing my visit. Let them go, I'll take a taxi."

The goal of a lifetime! Acerbi and the story like in the movies, from alcohol

Francesco Acerbi is the example for a powerful message, that there is always a light at the end of the tunnel. It just takes the will to see it.

After finding the strength he wanted and needed, from October 2015 to January 2019, he recorded 149 consecutive appearances in all competitions, missing only due to a controversial sending-off.

In 2017, he played more minutes than any other player in Serie A.

In the summer of 2018, Lazio signed him to fill the void left by Stefan de Vrij. With a commanding presence and ability to build play from the back, he integrated perfectly into Simone Inzaghi's 3-5-2 system, alongside Radu and Luiz Felipe.

The goal of a lifetime! Acerbi and the story like in the movies, from alcohol

Lazio set a record in defense that year, with 16 goals conceded. After Chiellini's injury, Roberto Mancini entrusted Acerbi with the Euro 2020 qualifiers. He did not disappoint the national team coach, even scoring his first goal with the national team in a 3-0 win over Bosnia.

He joined Inter in 2022, when everyone thought he had nothing to offer. He immediately earned a starting spot and has become an undisputed leader in defense.

Inter have problems when Acerbi is absent, but when he returns to the lineup, security is restored in defense and provides great help in attack.

Taken from tvklan.al