Roma left-back Federico Balzaretti has revealed he does not know if he will be able to play football again with his pelvic pain having worsened.

Balzaretti first noticed the problem 10 months ago and it limited him to just 11 league appearances for Roma last season.

Despite undergoing specific treatments and two surgeries to try to resolve the issue, the 32-year-old Balzaretti has confirmed his condition has deteriorated.

“At this time I only have hope,” an emotional Balzaretti said.

“I don’t know if and when I will return to play but I will give my all. This problem does not allow me to run or even carry out the minimum exercise as it leads to heavy swelling.

“Last week’s MRI was a hammer blow as I not only have I not improved but the condition has worsened.

“I am here to say, as I have told the club, the president and my team-mates, that I don’t know if and when I will be able to return to play.

“I need to undergo physiotherapy and I need more months to try to recover.”

Balzaretti, who joined Roma in 2012 from Palermo, was amember of the Italy team that finished as runners-up at Euro 2012.

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