He was one of the best footballers in South America in the 90s. On Boxing Day, former Juve star Fabian O’Neill died at the age of 49 in a Montevideo hospital of complications from liver disease.
The former international (19 caps) moved to Cagliari Calcio in Italy in 1996. There he attracted the attention of record champion Juventus Turin with outstanding performances. However, he mightn’t get past Zinedine Zidane (50) at the ‘old lady’ in the 2000/01 season.
After a year and a half he moved on to AC Perugia before returning to Cagliari in 2002/03 and finally retiring a few months later in his native Uruguay.
At the 2002 World Cup, he was part of the South American squad, but was not used in the preliminary round.
According to a report by Sky Italia, he has had serious alcohol problems in recent years. He had been suffering from cirrhosis of the liver for some time and was probably awaiting a life-saving liver transplant.
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His ex-club Cagliari wrote on Twitter: “We are proud that we were able to admire your genius up close: pure, crystalline, like the most precious diamonds. You made us fall in love with your class, Cagliari never stopped loving your magic with the “10” on your shoulders. Rest in peace Fabi. One of us forever.”
