YORK City legend Marco Gabbiadini has revealed that he will be undergoing a triple heart bypass surgery.

Gabbiadini, who regularly features on BBC Radio Newcastle’s Total Sport, announced on the show that he has been struggling with heart disease, operating at around 20 per cent of his heart’s capacity.

After undergoing a angiogram procedure, a form of x-ray used to examine blood vessels, Gabbiadini unfortunately received concerning results which will see the former York striker undergo surgery.

Gabbiadini began his career in the academy of City in 1984 and would go on to make his first-team debut aged 17 against Bolton Wanderers.

Having been raised in York, the York icon would score 14 goals in 60 matches, with former boss Denis Smith telling then-England manager Bobby Robson to gift a young Gabbiadini a call-up to the Three Lions’ under-21’s side.

Gabbiadini would go on to become the youngest City player to score a hat-trick at the age of 18 against Darlington in November 1986, a record that would be broken in 2022 by Shaq Forde in a 4-1 triumph over Maidstone United.

Having gone on to play for the likes of Sunderland, Derby County and Northampton Town, Gabbiadini retired in 2004 before going on to take part in some punditry work for local radio stations.

Gabbiadini revealed to BBC Radio Newcastle: "I've had some tests done, following up from a slight issue I was feeling in my chest. It turns out that I'm having a triple heart bypass on Wednesday (May 22).

"That was from an angiogram procedure I had about 10 days ago. The results weren't very good so I've ended up facing some surgery. So a bit of a shock more than anything.

"They call it heart disease and that's what it is.

"We had a couple of country walks with the grandkids and I was lagging behind a bit on the hills, which is normally not an issue, but it ended up being something that was a bit of a slow burn.

"I had a stress test in early March this year, then they hustled me through to this angiogram and they found out that I've been working on about 20% of my heart's capacity.”

The York legend would go on to credit the NHS and the British Heart Foundation, who have both aided Gabbiadini in his medical diagnosis and have supported the 56-year-old in gaining the surgery and support needed.

"It could have been a lot worse. I'm thankful that I've got to this stage and the NHS is fantastic.

“But we have a few issues. We had a bit of interaction with the British Heart Foundation and the figures are pretty daunting; the waiting lists and number of people.

"It's our country's biggest killer unfortunately and I want to highlight that. The littlest thing can turn out to be quite serious as it did for me."

Gabbiadini has since provided an update on social media platform X.com, notifying the public that his surgery would no longer be taking place today. 

The striker said: "Unfortunately surgery not happening today.

"Nothing serious I’m a priority to be seen asap, not sure if that’s good news really, good news is no hoovering or gardening or watching sport on TV!

"A bit stressed but all the messages have been a comfort so will keep them in mind!"