Gaetano Castrovilli, now playing for Bari, has shared his emotional struggle with injuries that almost led him to abandon his football career prematurely.
In a heartfelt interview, the former Fiorentina and Lazio midfielder admitted, “The past two and a half years have been incredibly challenging. I`ve faced numerous injuries, and it`s taken a significant toll on me both physically and mentally.”
Castrovilli described the frustrating cycle of recovery and setbacks: “Just as I`d return to the pitch, I`d immediately suffer another injury. My knee would swell, leaving me questioning everything. I seriously contemplated quitting football altogether.”
The Mental Battle in Recovery
The Italian international, who has represented his country four times, emphasized the importance of psychological resilience: “I work on my mental approach daily. My wife is a crucial support, as we often discuss these challenges in the evenings. The psychological aspect can deeply affect both your performance on the field and your personal life. Finding balance is essential.”
Castrovilli`s career has seen its ups and downs. He made only six appearances for Fiorentina in the 2023-24 season before joining Lazio. The following season, he split his time between Lazio and Monza, making a total of 22 appearances.
This summer marked a new chapter for the 28-year-old as he returned to his roots, joining Bari – the club where he began his professional journey before moving to Fiorentina in 2017 – on a free transfer.
Castrovilli`s story serves as a powerful reminder of the physical and mental challenges professional athletes face, and the resilience required to overcome them.