
The former AC Milan great joined ex-Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech in launching 'The Secret Balance of Champions – Health Challenges in Elite Sport'
Van Basten, who wrote the book’s foreword, told of how he went from becoming European champion to "an invalid who couldn’t do the shopping” because of a career-ending ankle injury.
The book that features 32 interviews with athletes including Tour de France cyclist Chris Froome and long-distance runner Mo Farah alongside medical guidance. It will be distributed to free to players through unions, and other athlete groups.
Van Basten said he felt he did not get optimum medical treatment as a player. One tip he gave footballers today is to share as much information as possible with doctors so they can receive the best possible care.
Cech, who played for years with a head brace after fracturing his skull, advised players to think positively when recovering from injury.
“I never cared about what I couldn’t do,” he said via a video link. “I cared about what I could do.”