Football was easy compared to health issues - Gabbiadini

Marco Gabbiadini retired as a player in 2004 after making almost 800 appearances across all competitions

Former Derby County and Sunderland striker Marco Gabbiadini says he is dealing with emotions he never felt as a footballer as he prepares to have heart surgery.

The 56-year-old revealed in May that he requires a triple heart bypass operation.

He is due to have the procedure this week and has spoken about a feeling of anxiousness after months of waiting for the procedure.

"It's been a pretty fraught summer," Gabbiadini told BBC Radio Derby.

"In the last few weeks, since I got my date [for surgery] I've been borderline angry, frustrated, and happy at the same time."

Nottingham-born Gabbiadini started his career with York City, then spent four years with Sunderland between 1987 and 1991 before going on to play in the Premier League with Derby County after a stint with Crystal Palace.

His five years on the books of the Rams - which included 227 appearances and produced 68 goals - was the longest he spent at any one club during his career.

The list of his former clubs include Hartlepool, Northampton, Stoke City and Darlington, with loan spells also spent at Birmingham City and Oxford United.

He now reflects on that extensive career as "easy" compared to the health issues he is going through.

"Sport, that was a doddle," Gabbiadini said.

"Go out on to the field, knock a few people over and score a few goals. That was easy."

In his latest interview with the BBC, Gabbiadini has again urged anyone worried about potential symptoms to see a doctor straight away having himself experienced only a "slight issue" in his chest.

"Realistically, I was one of them who could have dropped at any time and that has been quite sobering really to understand that," he said.