Dani Osvaldo is reportedly in intensive care. The former Premier League striker was rushed into a hospital in Argentina, where he underwent an emergency operation to remove a small portion of lung tissue. Former Southampton striker Osvaldo is reportedly in intensive care after having some lung tissue removedGettyAccording to Argentine outlet TyC Sports, the 40-year-old was diagnosed with pleural effusion, which is defined as having excess fluid between the lining of the lungs and inside the chest wall. The report also states that the Osvaldo remains in intensive care with a reserved prognosis. The public hospital in Llavallol, Buenos Aires, has not yet issued a medical report. According to Italian newspaper Tuttosport, Osvaldo had been complaining of severe chest pains in the days prior to his hospitalisation. His sister and a friend then raised the alarm when they found him in a ‘worrying condition’ at home, ultimately arranging for him to be transferred to the hospital. Osvaldo’s up-and-down careerOsvaldo was born in Lanus, Argentina, but opted to represent Italy at both youth and senior international level, eligible for Italian citizenship through his great-grandfather, and thus becoming available to play for them once his citizenship was granted. He would earn 14 caps for the Azzurri, scoring four goals. Beginning his senior club career at Buenos Aires outfit Huracan, Osvaldo quickly made the switch to Italy, playing for then-Serie B sides Atalanta and Lecce before Fiorentina signed him for €4.6million in 2007.The striker would also enjoy stints with Bologna and Espanyol, before moving to Roma in 2011. He would enjoy his best years with the Serie A club, recording 27 goals and seven assists in 57 appearances. Osvaldo’s best years came when he was at RomaAFPOsvaldo would then be handed the opportunity to make the switch to the English top flight when Southampton, who were managed by Mauricio Pochettino at the time, paid a then-club record €15.1 million (£12.9m) to reunite him with his former Espanyol manager.However, he would make just 13 Premier League appearances, scoring three goals, as his spell with the Saints was riddled with controversy.This included him being banned for three games for getting involved in a touch-line fracas against Newcastle, as well as being suspended by the club for a fight with teammate Jose Fonte.During his two-year spell on the south coast, Osvaldo was loaned out three times – to Juventus, Inter Milan and Boca Juniors – before his contract was eventually terminated by the club. A brief stint with Porto followed, before returning to Boca Juniors, which was also short-lived after his contract was terminated after a fallout with coach Guillermo Barros Schelotto. After this, Osvaldo announced his retirement from football after struggling to find a new club, and cited that he wanted to focus on a music career. Four years later, though, he came out of retirement to play for Superliga Argentina club Banfield, where he had spent some time in their youth system. Just six months later, in July 2020, he would retire for good finishing his club career with 88 goals and 27 assists in 289 appearances.