Sunderland icon says he is “on top of the world” following triple heart bypass surgery.

After having heart surgery last year, the former Sunderland hero Marco Gabbiadini has given a

positive update on his health. Gabbiadini, 57, is a regular commentator on BBC Radio Newcastle’s

Total Sport and disclosed on the show last year that he had tests after experiencing chest pains.

The former striker, who also played for Derby County, Crystal Palace, and Hartlepool United,

was signed by Sunderland for a steal of £80,000 in 1987 when he was just 19 years old from York City.

As a grandad, Gabbiadini faced a different challenge recently. The former striker returned to the

Wearside last weekend as Sunderland played Cardiff City at the Stadium of Light, and he was introduced

to the Stadium of Light crowd at halftime alongside his brother, Riccardo Gabbiadini, who was also

on the books at Roker Park during the 1988-89 season. He was an immediate hit,

scoring 87 goals in 185 games for the Wearsiders, including the

game-winning goal in a 2-0 play-off victory at Newcastle in 1990.