Former Italy defender Gianluca Zambrotta has surprised doctors by being able to walk and play sports, despite battling a challenging health crisis since his retirement from football in 2014.

A revered member of Italy's 2006 World Cup-winning squad, Zambrotta's post-playing days have been marred by a severe genu varum condition that is worsening over time, leading to a concerning degree of knee-bowing.

However, his medical situation has puzzled experts as they say it defies explanation how he continues to engage in physical activities given his degenerative condition.

Despite his resilience, the reality of potential 'full prosthesis' surgeries looms large for Zambrotta as he deals with his ailment. The 48-year-old made nearly 600 appearances in his career, becoming an icon at clubs like Barcelona, Juventus, and AC Milan.

Despite being worth over £16 million, Zambrotta now wrestles with the reality that prosthetic legs may be in his future.

On The BSMT podcast, Zambrotta said: "Over time, my legs have become bowed. During my career, I didn't have any major injuries.

"I've had three operations on my internal menisci. Currently, I don't have them on either the left or the right, so over time, my legs have become bowed and today.

"I'm a laboratory model for many surgeons. Doctors look and ask how [I walk]. In a few years, I will have to wear a full prosthesis.

"The problem has worsened over time, due to both some genetic exposure and the lack of internal menisci. And so perhaps I should have started working on it earlier.

"I will soon have surgery on both knees. I have visited three or four leading surgeons nationwide, and they can't explain to me how I can have these knees or how I can engage in physical activities like padel tennis, for example."

After an illustrious playing career securing three Serie A titles among various domestic accolades, Zambrotta ventured into management with Swiss team Chiasso and Indian outfit Delhi Dynamos.

Currently, he is a pundit in Italy and will further his medical treatment there, reports the Daily Star. "I'll have to have an osteotomy," he said.

"Basically, they'll straighten my legs by cutting small pieces of bone above and below and inserting plates to try to avoid having to get a full prosthesis now, although I'll have to get one in a few years."