Reginald Cini, a retired local goal-keeper, has safely left the intensive therapy unit of a Sicilian hospital wherein he was being treated for an unspecified respiratory illness.
This was confirmed by his family members, with his daughter, Jade, a model and Miss Universe Malta, posting to Facebook that her father was out of the ITU and recovering.
Known locally as Reggie, the ex-footballer said that despite facing very slim chances for survival, he had persevered through his illness. ‘I only had a 5% chance of staying in the game, but I always play it all the way’ he said.
He went on to thank everyone for their wishes and announced that he will be going into rehabilitation, stating that some respectful privacy would be appreciated. Jade herself had made the illness public in January when she said her father was being treated for respiratory issues.
‘After 28 days of constant worry’, she unveiled that she finally had some good news to share. ‘Keep him in your prayers as I will so he recommends hers fast and gets back to his loving family.’
The now 51-year-old Valletta resident, Reggie now lives in Sicily and was an active goalkeeper in local football between 1988 and 2003.
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