Fernando Morientes experienced anxious hours. © AFP / PIERRE-PHILIPPE MARCOU

A former striker star in fear of death

Former Spanish national football striker Fernando Morientes feared for his life due to a thromboembolism in his lungs.

20 April 2025

From: dpa/det

"I was in the hospital for five days and was scared to death," the 48-year-old said in an interview with radio station Cadena Cope. The former professional explained that the illness was primarily due to the extensive travel he had to undertake for his current job as a radio commentator. He played for Real Madrid, AS Monaco, Liverpool FC, Valencia FC, and Olympique Marseille, among others.

However, he emphasized that he would "make a full recovery." The cause of his illness was a blood clot that formed in his knee and traveled to his lungs. After a recent flight from Huelva to the capital, Madrid, he suddenly felt stabbing pains in his chest.

The advice of the former goalscorer

He simply "was in the air too much, sitting in the car too much, standing too much." That could happen to anyone. "I don't smoke or drink, I don't lead a strange life, I take care of myself, exercise. I thought, this can't be true."

Morientes had some advice: "It's important for people who travel a lot to be aware of these dangers. It's good to have heparin (a blood thinner that slows or inhibits blood clotting) with you." The best thing, however, is "not to travel constantly—as I will do in the future." From now on, he plans to choose his trips more carefully.