The Doctor's longtime collaborator recounted with emotion his visits, the impact of the illness, and the way he seeks to connect with the former 1986 World Cup-winning coach
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Miguel Ángel Lemme, friend and close collaborator of Carlos Salvador Bilardo, shared moving details about the health of the former coach of the Argentina National Team. "El Narigón" was diagnosed with Hakim-Adams syndrome, a neurodegenerative disease that affects his cognitive and motor abilities.
"I was with him on Saturday, we had an afternoon snack together. He's doing well, but the disease he has is not curable. I always see him doing well," Lemme said in an interview with Súper Deportivo Radio.
Between resignation and affection, Lemme acknowledged that Bilardo can no longer identify his loved ones. "He doesn't recognize me, he doesn't recognize anyone. Sometimes he confuses his wife with his daughter and his daughter with his wife," he said.
Lemme visita dos o tres veces por semana a Bilardo
He then added: "I said that when he doesn't know me anymore I wouldn't go anymore, but it's stronger than me. I love him so much that I want to be by his side, I won't let go of his hand, not even crazy. He didn't let go of mine and now I won't let go of his, not even crazy."
The former footballer said that he had to change his routine because of the emotional impact these visits have on him. "I go two or three times a week because it hurts me. I have a coffee, I talk to him, sometimes nothing, but well," he explained.
In every meeting, he tries to keep the emotional connection alive: "Every time I arrive, I sing 'It's El Narigón's team.' I sing to him, I hug him, I kiss him. What's Carlos up to? Then I say goodbye and he says 'Are you leaving?' And if he's asleep..."
Los ex Estudiantes con Bilardo
This disease, also called normal pressure hydrocephalus, was diagnosed before the pandemic and has limited Bilardo's autonomy and speech. His brother Jorge explained that today the former coach speaks little and can no longer hold long conversations. Nevertheless, doctors rule out this disease as the cause of his death.
With pain, Lemme confessed: "Sometimes I walk back home crying. It's 21 blocks walking. And many times I come back feeling really bad."
In mid-May, Bilardo received a visit from former players and figures from Estudiantes de La Plata such as José Sosa, Pablo Lugüercio, and Miguel Ángel Lemme himself, among others. Lugüercio shared that photo on social media and recalled Bilardo's enormous legacy. "El Narigón," as a coach, always bet on young players, dignity, and effort, values that continue to shape the club's DNA.
