Galletti receives kidney transplant from father

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) Former Argentine international Luciano Galletti received a kidney transplant on Tuesday from his father, a retired professional footballer who played in Argentina in the 1970s and 80s.

The Buenos Aires hospital Nephrology de Palermo said the procedure was successful and both patients were doing well.

Dr. Olga Guardia, speaking from outside the hospital, said they would be released in seven to 10 days. She said it is likely the father would be released first.

Asked if Luciano Galletti might return to playing, or at least to physical activity, Guardia replied: "There are Olympic-style games for transplant patients," adding. "It is not improbable."

Galletti, 32, made 13 international appearances for Argentina. He was also at Spanish clubs Atletico de Madrid and Zaragoza, and in Italy with Parma and Napoli. He retired in 2010 after playing for Greek club Olympiakos.

Galletti's father, Ruben Horacio, was a right winger like his son and played for several of Argentina's biggest clubs, including River Plate and Boca Juniors. He played most of his matches with Estudiantes, where his son also started his career.

Updated October 2, 2012