17 December 2023 , 07:00
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Dominic Matteo has opened up about his recovery from a brain tumour, having had to learn how to read, write and talk again following surgery in 2019.
The tumour lay dormant in Matteo's skull since childhood and was not discovered until 2019 after it had calcified and morphed into an anaplastic ependymoma. Matteo had been suffering from persistent headaches and was referred for an MRI scan by his GP, with doctors discovering the tumour.
Following the scan, he was not allowed to leave the hospital as his condition worsened, with Matteo suffering a seizure and needing to undergo an emergency operation to remove the tumour which was putting pressure on his brain.
Doctors were able to remove 90 to 95% of the tumour during a 10-hour operation, with the former Liverpool and Leeds star telling the Guardian: "So basically, I played my whole career with a brain tumour - I might have been a decent player without it!"
As part of his recovery, Matteo underwent radiotherapy and had to learn how to do basic tasks again. He received regular visits and FaceTime calls from friends within football, including Robbie Fowler, Steve McManaman and Neil Ruddock, and was eventually allowed to return home to continue his recovery.
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Matteo initially struggled, with the former footballer "not used to asking people for help", but is now doing much better. He explained: "You've got to really focus on what is right in front of you: 'Right Dom, what can I do to improve my way of life?'
Dominic Matteo played with a brain tumour for his entire career (Getty Images)"And that was to do the hard yards again. It was just like being a young footballer – relearn this, relearn that. It was horrible, it was hard, and it was frustrating. But I think my sport – and I'm lucky to have my sport – has carried me through.
"The difference is night and day. I'm always aware – I never want to get ahead of myself. I can't afford to become complacent. But yes, I live in the moment, and have some good days."
Matteo has to undergo scans every six months to check that what is left of the tumour is not causing any problems and the 49-year-old has made a return to punditry. Along with his wife Jess, Matteo gives motivational talks discussing his struggles.