Inter Milan defender Francesco Acerbi was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2013, forcing him to temporarily step away from football. After undergoing treatment and making a full recovery, he returned to the pitch with renewed purpose, eventually earning a place in Italy’s Euro winning team and becoming a key figure in Inter’s defense. Now 37, Acerbi’s remarkable journey reached new heights last week when he scored a crucial equaliser against Barcelona—his first-ever goal in a major European competition—securing Inter’s spot in the Champions League final in Munich. 

"Without cancer, I would have retired at 28," Acerbi told Gazzetta. "Perhaps I would be in Serie B, at Cittadella, but after cancer, my real life began, giving me a second chance."

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