Dodo ‘proud’ of Fiorentina, playing semi-final 13 days after surgery | OneFootball

Dodo insists Fiorentina must remain ‘proud’ of their Conference League campaign after the semi-final exit to Real Betis, where he played 13 days after surgery to remove his appendix.

The Brazilian was watching the first leg 2-1 defeat from his hospital room after suffering from appendicitis and having surgery to remove the organ, but he started the second leg at the Stadio Artemio Franchi.

“We knew Betis were a great team with quality players. We gave our all, we lost the first leg 2-1 and it was tough to turn it around here, but we had done it to lead 2-1. In the end, they had a chance and took it. This is football, when you least expect it, that’s when it happens,” Dodo told Sky Sport Italia.

FLORENCE, ITALY – MAY 8: Antony dos Santos of Real Betis Belompie celebrates after scoring a goal during the UEFA Conference League 2024/25 Semi Final First Leg match between ACF Fiorentina and Real Betis Balompie at Artemio Franchi on May 8, 2025 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

Antony had put Betis in front in Florence with a sensational free kick in off the upright, but a pair of Robin Gosens headers on corners turned the game around on the night to force extra time.

It was here that substitute Abde Ezzalzouli struck on an Antony assist to secure the 2-2 result on the night, sending Real Betis through 4-3 on aggregate to face Chelsea in the Conference League Final.

Dodo looks to Fiorentina future

FLORENCE, ITALY – MAY 8: Domilson Cordeiro dos Santos known as Dodo of ACF Fiorentina battles for the ball with Pablo Fornals of Real Betis Belompie during the UEFA Conference League 2024/25 Semi Final First Leg match between ACF Fiorentina and Real Betis Balompie at Artemio Franchi on May 8, 2025 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

“Now we have to focus on Serie A, there are three rounds left to play and we can still qualify for Europe. I remain proud of my team, we wanted to reach the third consecutive Conference League Final, we didn’t do it, but we have to lift our heads and keep going.”

Dodo had surgery just 13 days ago to have his appendix taken out, but played here well into extra time and ran harder than anyone. How did he manage it?

“I am a person who always wants to play, so I work really hard in training. I wanted to be here and help the team. It was a tough match, I am happy with my team and tomorrow we get back to work, because the season keeps going,” explained the full-back.

“The fans are always by our side, Florence has a real family atmosphere, and it is thanks to them that we are in the semi-final again. I can only thank the Fiorentina fans.”