The Life of a World Handball Star in Danger

(ATR) International handball is shocked by the health scare of the Cuban-Portuguese Alfredo Quintana, considered one of the best goalkeepers in the world.

The life of Quintana, 32 years old, is in danger.

On Monday, the outstanding player of the FC Porto club and the Portuguese national team suffered a cardiorespiratory arrest during training.

This Tuesday a source from the Porto city hospital, where the athlete was admitted urgently, said that Quintana "remains stable, but with a reserved prognosis" according to "O Jogo".

The athlete is intubated and in an induced coma. He was transferred to the São João Hospital, after having been in cardiopulmonary arrest for more than 30 minutes, according to the Portuguese press.

The next few hours will be decisive for the Caribbean goalkeeper born in Havana, Cuba, who has recovered from the heart issue but still has swelling of the brain due to the length of the cardiac arrest, according to reports.

Quintana has represented the national team since 2014 and has been instrumental in leading the Portugal team to sixth place at Euro 2020 and 10th place at the 2021 World Cup in Egypt, the best finishes in those competitions for the Iberian country.

The Champions League match scheduled for this Wednesday in Belarus between FC Porto and Meshkov Brest was postponed.

The Portuguese Handball Federation also wished the goalkeeper strength. "We are all cheering you on," wrote the institution according to "Mais Futebol."

Several Portuguese clubs sent messages to the Cuban and his relatives. National and international handball players posted messages as did several European clubs such as Paris Saint-Germain.

Quintana arrived in Portugal in 2010 and was the first Cuban to enroll in Portuguese handball under the guidance of director José Magalhães.

He made his debut for FC Porto on March 26, 2011, with which he has already won six championships, one Portuguese Cup and two Super Cups.

He made his debut with the national team in 2014, with which he has 67 appearances. The goalkeeper has a contract with FC Porto until 2023.

At this moment, Cuban Alfredo Quintana continues to fight for his life.

Written by Miguel Hernandez

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