Ireland coach Giovanni Trapattoni underwent neck surgery last week and said he is ''recovering well.''
The scheduled operation on the carotid artery took place Dec. 28 in Milan, the 71-year-old Italian said Wednesday. That type of surgery is generally done to help reduce the risk of a stroke.
''I am recovering well and expect to return to work in the coming weeks,'' Trapattoni said in a statement released by the Football Association of Ireland. ''Contrary to media speculation, I can confirm that I have not suffered a stroke. I will be in Ireland on Jan. 24 to announce my squad for the Carling Nations Cup match against Wales on Feb. 8.''
The former Italy coach spent a week in the hospital in August after undergoing surgery following abdominal pain.
