I read 'El Diego', his biography (a damn good read if you get the chance). He was 'injured' (by today's standards) pretty much throughout his career on account of the kickings he took. He was in such demand throughout his career that he was never truly rested, and relied on painkillers to get him through the majority of his matches. (Explains his later substance abuse)? If he'd been allowed to get over his injuries, who knows? That little man went through the mill.