Roma’s Castan cleared to play after neurosurgery

Leandro-Castan

Genoa's Emanuele Calaio, left, vies for the ball with Roma's Castan Leandro, during a Serie A match between Genoa and Roma. (Tano Pecoraro/AP)

ROME — Roma centre back Leandro Castan says he has been cleared to play again after having neurosurgery that successfully removed a malformation on his brain.

Castan has been out since September, when he was substituted at halftime of a Serie A match because of dizziness.

The Brazilian tells Roma’s radio station that "it’s one of the happiest days of my life."

He adds, "I want to return as soon as possible … and start next season at 100 per cent."

In December, Castan said the malformation, known as a cavernoma, measured 3 centimetres (slightly more than an inch) and was completely removed during a 3 1/2-hour surgery.

The 28-year-old joined Roma in 2012 from Corinthians.

During his first two seasons in Italy, Castan played in 66 of Roma’s 76 Serie A matches.

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