Former Manchester United keeper Fabien Barthez has spoken on his battle with injuries, admitting that he wakes up in pain every day on the back of a career that saw him win two Premier League titles
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20 Feb 2001: Despair for Fabien Barthez of Manchester United during the UEFA Champions League Group A match against Valencia played at Old Trafford, in Manchester, England. The match ended in a 1-1 draw. \ Mandatory Credit: Laurence Griffiths /Allsport
Former Manchester United shotstopper Fabien Barthez has shed some light on his injury troubles
(Image: Getty Images)
Ex-Manchester United keeper Fabien Barthez has opened up about the physical toll his career has taken on him, confessing he feels "broken" after hanging up his gloves.
The Frenchman, who dazzled Sir Alex Ferguson with his performances at Euro 2000, was snapped up from Monaco for a substantial £7.8million to succeed the legendary Peter Schmeichel.
Barthez's initial impact at Old Trafford was impressive, clinching a Premier League title in his first season and quickly endearing himself to supporters with his flamboyant and daring approach. Yet, despite his early success, his time at the top was marred by inconsistency.
He added another league title to his collection in 2003 but found himself sidelined in favour of Roy Carroll following a series of underwhelming displays, leading to Tim Howard's arrival as his replacement after Ferguson lost confidence in him.
Informed that United would let him go, Barthez moved back to France with Marseille on a loan deal midway through the next season, eventually winding down his playing days with stints at Les Olympiens and Nantes.
Barthez called time on his illustrious career in 2006 at 36 years old, boasting a World Cup and Champions League among his accolades, alongside his European Championship triumph and trophies with United. However, such a decorated career has come at a cost, leaving him with lasting injuries and ailments, reports the Mirror.
Now, the Frenchman has shed light on the profound physical toll professional players endure, revealing that often he played through injuries against his better judgement.
Speaking to L'Equipe, the ex-Red Devils shot-stopper divulged details about how the strains of his career have left their mark, confessing: "When I get up, I feel like an old man.
Barthez
Barthez won a pair of top-flight titles at Old Trafford
"When you've been diving all day in every direction from age 15 to 36, you shouldn't be surprised. But hey, I'm not the only one. We are all broken."
Now at 53, Barthez highlighted times when he should have prioritised his health over the game, resulting in enduring repercussions, though he admits it is ultimately his own fault.
"In my time, we weren't protected," he remarked. "There were times I played when I really shouldn't have. In Monaco, I fractured my cheekbone.
"I was supposed to play again three weeks later, but they put me back on the field immediately with a protective shell. Now I suffer the consequences, but without regrets.
"On one occasion, during a match, I suffered a very strong blow. At half-time, my thigh had doubled its size. The doctor told me to stop, but I said I felt fine.
"As a result, I spent the night in the emergency room; they split my thigh in two, and I was off for two months," he concluded. "I am the one to blame."