23.11.2015 13:26 h

Biabiany calls for Paris unity as heart scare nightmare ends

Paris-born Jonathan Biabiany called for unity and sympathy for the victims of the recent terror attacks after hitting his first Serie A goal since a heart scare threatened to end his career.

Biabiany, who signed for Inter Milan from bankrupted Parma FC in the summer, made the most of his first start for Roberto Mancini's side this season by firing Inter into a 29th minute lead against Frosinone at an expectant San Siro on Sunday.

Further goals from Mauro Icardi, Jeison Murillo and late substitute Marcelo Brozovic saw the hosts cruise to a 4-0 victory that sent them two points clear of Napoli and Fiorentina at the top of the Serie A table.

The French national anthem, La Marseillaise, rang out before kick-off in all Serie A stadiums at the weekend as Italy paid tribute to the 130 victims of last week's terror attacks that also left hundreds injured.

By far the happiest player on the pitch at the final whistle, emotions had already been high for the 27-year-old Biabiany before the match began.

"I haven't heard La Marseillaise in a stadium since I was playing in the France Under-21 team," Biabiany told Mediaset after the game.

"I have family in Paris and I'm always in contact with them. There are horrible things happening at the moment, but the important thing is to remain united and pray for people who have lost loved ones."

Biabiany's maiden league goal for Inter comes eight years after he joined the club, in January 2007, after which he spent several years out on loan.

He had spells at Chievo, Modena and Parma before joining Parma in a co-ownership deal in 2011. Biabiany went on to score 26 goals in 179 appearances for the Duchy Men, until, in September 2014, his career was put on hold when a medical exam at AC Milan, prior to a planned move to the club, revealed cardiac dysrhythmia.

Biabiany was advised to take an indefinite break from competition, but, after Parma sunk into administration and eventual bankruptcy, he was given a chance to resurrect his career at the club where he began his senior career in 2007.

Inter put Biabiany through a battery of fitness and health checks in the summer before experts gave him the all-clear to resume playing competitive football.

On his first league start this season, Biabiany repaid Inter's faith when he pounced on the rebound from Ljajic strike to fire under Nicola Leali's crossbar in the 29th minute.

Afterwards, he said: "I'd like to thank everyone who supported me when things got tough and also my team-mates for helping me to score.

"The coach had mentioned during the week that he was thinking about playing me, but I didn't know for sure. He keeps his cards close to his chest."

Biabiany is not the only player in Italy to suffer a health scare of late.

While the Frenchman signalled his comeback with his goal against Frosinone, it was while playing against the league new boys that Juventus defender Stephan Lichsteiner was substituted after experiencing breathing difficulties two months ago.

He was later diagnosed with cardiac arrhythmia and sidelined for a month after undergoing surgery.

Swiss international Lichsteiner returned to action in style earlier this month when he hit Juve's equaliser in a 1-1 Champions League draw at Borussia Monchengladbach.