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Whatever happened to Batistuta? The Argentine goal machine who begged for his ankles to be amputated

The Fiorentina legend was unbeatable with the goal in front of him, but a sterling career took a heavy toll on his health once he hung up his boots

PROFILE

Strong, direct and ruthless in front of goal, Gabriel Batistuta was arguably the deadliest goalscorer in Argentine football history. Lionel Messi passed the Fiorentina legend’s all-time Seleccion record in 2016 but Batigol's incredible strike rate of 54 in 77 appearances is far superior to the current captain’s, and may never be surpassed.

However, are Batistuta's heroics still appreciated in his home country?