The former Liverpool defender and regular LFCTV pundit required an emergency operation on a brain tumour after falling seriously ill in November 2019.
With the backing of his family, friends and the football community, Matteo has since made a full recovery, receiving the all-clear in April 2020.
During a recent conversation with Reds boss Klopp and vice-captain Milner – his former teammate at Leeds United – the 47-year-old opened up on the sudden circumstances that saw him taken into hospital.
He detailed the process of rehabilitation, achieved with the unwavering support of wife Jessica, and how the messages he received from around the world aided his recovery.