Alessandro Del PieroGetty
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'I can't believe something 3mm big hurt so much' - Del Piero hospitalised with kidney stones

JuventusSerie A

The LA-based former Juve ace required treatment on the affliction but is now making a full, albeit painful, recovery

Juventus and Italy legend Alessandro Del Piero is on the mend after being taken to hospital to remove a kidney stone. 

Del Piero, 45, hung up his boots in 2014 following a spell in India with Delhi Dynamos, having lifted the 2006 World Cup with Italy and 14 major titles in Juve colours during his glittering career. 

He later relocated to Los Angeles, where he owns amateur football club LA10FC through his Edge Americas company. 

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In recent days, however, the former striker required medical attention after being diagnosed with the intrusion. 

And after revealing his affliction via Instagram, he expressed his disbelief that such a minute object could cause such discomfort. 

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"I still can't believe something only 3mm big could hurt that much," he joked to followers from his hospital bed, complete with a surgical mask as a precaution against coronavirus. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Ancora non ci credo come una cosa piccola solo 3mm possa fare così male 🤕 #colicarenale #calcolorenale #adp10

A post shared by Alessandro Del Piero (@alessandrodelpiero) on

Del Piero also owns a restaurant in the United States city, and recently bemoaned the lockdown that had hit his business hard. 

"I have a restaurant and I had to close it. The gyms and non-essential offices have also closed," he told Radio 24 in April. 

"Life has changed. The schools will also be closed throughout April."

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

#repost @n10losangeles #ADP10 ・・・ A special thank you message from our neighbors, our “healthcare heroes” at @cedarssinai Hospital! We are in this together and we ❤️ these priceless moments of gratitude. ⠀ As they endure the hardship of endless hours of work, we salute their commitment and we are grateful of the opportunity to once again support by the donation of healthy balanced meals prepared with love! ⠀ During this pandemic we appreciate the opportunity to come together as a COMMUNITY, in STRENGTH as we SUPPORT each other in order to fight for humanity! ⠀ As always, charity comes from the ❤️ of N10 Staff and our loyal patrons, that in this period we thank you for staying home, staying positive, staying safe and supporting local. ⠀ Alessandro ⠀ ⠀ #CedarsSinai #FacesOfCedarsSinai #ThankHealthcareHeroes #n10losangeles #alessandrodelpiero #donation #lalove #losangelescounty #ilovela #dtla #happeningindtla

A post shared by Alessandro Del Piero (@alessandrodelpiero) on

He is nevertheless trying to help out during the lockdown, keeping his restaurant's kitchen open in order to deliver food to medical personnel. 

"We are happy we have done something for people who need it the most," he told CNN of the initiative while expressing his hope that Serie A would be allowed to run to completion. 

"This is a big thing, a big, unpredictable thing. The priority should be the health of the people, not only players.

"I really hope there will be a way to finish the league properly. Players need to be aware they might have to play longer... to July and August."

"We're facing something completely unknown. It's not easy to manage the situation. To go to football training, go back to your family and hope you're OK," he said.

"We are living something really new. In unusual situations, you have unusual consequences. As a fan, I hope it will restart. I miss it in every way."

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