This is how Andrés Felipe Román found out about his congenital heart disease in Boca Juniors | Colombians Abroad

Andrés Felipe Román went from heaven to hell in a matter of hours. After three years of consolidating in Millonarios, 2021 seemed to smile at him: starter in the Albiazul team thanks to the confidence of Alberto Gamero; called to the Colombian National Team by Reinaldo Rueda for a microcycle of local players; and traveled to Argentina this week to become a new reinforcement of Boca Juniors, at the express request of Miguel Ángel Russo, the same coach who made him debut in 2017 at the Bogota club, with whom he was crowned champion of the Colombian League that same year .

This Thursday, the 25-year-old right-back arrived at the Genea Medical Center, in Buenos Aires, to undergo medical tests and thus be able to sign a contract for the next three years to become the fifth Colombian in Boca’s ranks, and join Fran Fabra, Jorman Campuzano, Edwin Cardona and Sebastián Villa. It was the dream come true!

However, what seemed to be routine exams became the reason for his sadness, desolation and even doubt to continue his career as a professional footballer. As it turned out, Roman was detected hypertrophic cardiomyopathy that could lead to sudden death, if he continues to advance.

Boca’s doctors met at the Medical Board and made new tests. After a cardiac MRI, his diagnosis was confirmed and Andrés Felipe’s pass to the popular Argentine team immediately fell.

Roman’s drama began: he lasted two hours crying and found no consolation. Neither Jorge Bermúdez, compatriot and member of the club’s Soccer Council, nor President Jorge Amor Ameal, could calm the Colombian player, despite the fact that the tests could have saved his life in the near future.

Andrés Felipe Román will travel back to Colombia this Friday, to re-introduce himself to Millonarios and review his medical status. And although Thursday night must surely have been very difficult to cope with, almost without sleeping, the side received the support of Miguel Russo, Boca’s coach, who went to the hotel where the Colombian stayed to talk and encourage him.

What is hypertrophic heart disease?

The Argentinean specialist doctor Norberto Debbag, gave an interview to ‘TyC Sports’ in which he explained what happened to the Colombian side.