Ex-Liverpool goalkeeper Doni reveals heart-attack

Rio de Janeioro, Feb 2 (IANS): Former Liverpool and Brazil goalkeeper Doni has revealed he almost died after suffering a heart attack last year.

Doni made the revelation upon announcing his free transfer to Brazil’s Sao Paulo state league club Botafogo de Ribeirao Preto Friday.

The 33-year-old said the incident occurred during a routine medical test at Anfield last July.

“I had a cardiorespiratory arrest,” he told Globoesporte. “I was unconscious for 25 seconds and almost went to the other side.

“After that, I went to London and doctors asked me to stay a few more months on the sidelines.”

Doni, who was released by Liverpool last month, says he was advised by medical experts to never play football again.

He said he was unsure when he would return to the pitch for Botafogo, saying playing is not his priority.

“I don’t want to receive a single penny from Botafogo,” Doni said. “This is a symbolic contract that gives me the opportunity to finish my career where it began.”

The former Roma goalkeeper has won 10 international caps for Brazil and was a member of coach Dunga’s 2010 World Cup squad in South Africa as a backup to Julio Cesar.