Former Italian premier Silvio Berlusconi left hospital yesterday, three weeks after an open-heart operation, sending mixed signals about his willingness to continue engaging in frontline politics.
Berlusconi, who turns 80 in September, checked into the San Raffaele Hospital in Milan on June 7 with symptoms of heart failure.
He had surgery a week later to replace a faulty aortic valve that was putting his life in danger.
He told reporters that he experienced a “very painful ordeal” and that he felt better, but still needed several weeks of recovery.
Berlusconi appeared to need support to stand, extending his right arm over the shoulder of an aide.
When asked if he still felt ready to lead the country, the former prime minister said: “I hope there will not be any need, but, if so, I hope to have the strength to be able to give some advice.”
However, Berlusconi also said he still hoped to be “useful to Italy and Italians”, and said his conservative opposition Forza Italia party would campaign against constitutional reforms proposed by the government that are due for a referendum vote in October.
He also confirmed that his AC Milan football team would be sold to Chinese buyers, but only on condition that they commit to invest “at least €400mn ($445mn) in the next two years” to revive the squad’s fortunes.