Raducioiu reflects on medical treatments in Italy and Baresi's influence
Former striker Florin Raducioiu recalls his time in Serie A, detailing medical practices at AC Milan and Brescia and the impact of Franco Baresi on his career.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0 / Author: nobbiwan
Former Romanian striker Florin Raducioiu has shared candid memories from his time playing in Italy. Reflecting on his career, which included a move to AC Milan in 1993, he shed light on the medical practices he encountered during that era.
Raducioiu described his experiences at Brescia, where players were offered intravenous injections of a pink liquid. While he noted that players were never forced to take them, medical staff claimed they were mineral salts. In contrast, at AC Milan, players were provided with tablets which staff described as vitamins intended to boost stamina during matches.
Beyond the medical side of his career, Raducioiu expressed deep respect for Franco Baresi. He revealed that the legendary captain was instrumental in bringing him to the Rossoneri, having convinced Silvio Berlusconi of his talent.
Franco was a human magnet: he had a charisma that made every player follow him and admire him. Florin Raducioiu
Raducioiu also admitted that he deeply regretted missing Baresi's funeral, as he was away with his family at the time, an event that left him visibly moved.