Anorthosis defender William Boaventura’s football career is in major doubt following a heart episode on the weekend after his side’s victory over Doxa.
The 32-year-old Brazilian left winger complained of chest pains on Saturday night and checked himself in at the Areteio Clinic in Nicosia where he underwent a cardiac catheterisation – the insertion of a catheter into a chamber or vessel of the heart.
An announcement by Anorthosis confirmed that Boaventura was undergoing treatment and that his condition would be monitored over the upcoming days.
“This is a very sad incident that has touched and shocked the entire family of Anorthosis. We all wish William Boaventura a speedy recovery and we will remain by side through this difficult period for him.”
There were also get well wishes from his former club APOEL.
Last season, APOEL’s 36-year-old Greek defender Christos Kontis experienced a similar episode which effectively ended his football career.
He went on to have a coaching role at the club. Boaventura was at APOEL when Kontis suffered his health scare.
Having started his career in his native Brazil in 2002 at AD Cabofriense, he switched to Cyprus in 2004 where he joined AEL making 42 appearances and scoring 14 goals. He moved to Anorthosis two years later where he enjoyed further success under Temuri Ketsbaia – winning a league title, a Cyprus Cup and a Cyprus Super Cup – before moving abroad between 2008 and 2010 where he played for Ukrainian side Metalurh Donetsk and Russian outfits FC Kuban.
He enjoyed his best years at APOEL where he helped them reach the quarterfinals of the Champions League whilst also winning a Cyprus Cup and a Super Cup with the Nicosia side. In the summer he moved back to Anorthosis along with APOEL teammate Paulo Jorge and scored against Enosis Neon Paralimniou in a 1-1 draw in matchday two of the league championship.
Cyprus Weekly