Valentino Rossi, the legendary figure in MotoGP, has opened up about one of the most traumatic experiences of his life—the moment when he endured excruciating pain that he says he had never felt before. Rossi, the nine-time world champion and one of the most iconic athletes in the world of motorsport, has had a career full of highs and lows. Yet, the painful incident during the 2010 Italian MotoGP at Mugello stands out as the most physically excruciating moment for him.

Rossi, known affectionately as “The Doctor,” crashed during practice for the 2010 Italian Grand Prix, leading to a devastating injury that broke his right leg. The accident not only caused immense pain but also led to his first-ever missed race in his premier-class career. Speaking to Corriere della Sera, Rossi recalled the horrific moment in vivid detail, describing it as a pain unlike anything he had ever experienced before.

“When I broke my leg at Mugello in 2010, I’ve never felt pain like that,” Rossi admitted. “The bone sticking out of the skin, the sensation that a part of your body is detached from the rest, it was overwhelming.” The crash resulted in a fracture to both his shin and fibula, which required immediate surgery. For a man who had spent his career at the top of the sport, missing a race due to injury was an unprecedented experience that left fans and colleagues shocked and worried for his future in MotoGP.

The accident was a life-changing moment for Rossi. Not only did it affect his body physically, but it also had a profound emotional impact, as the thought of his career being cut short lingered in his mind. Yet, true to his resilient nature, Rossi recovered from the injury and returned to racing, though the memory of the pain he endured has remained with him to this day.

Despite the intense physical pain of the 2010 crash, Rossi has also spoken about an incident that caused him far more fear than any injury. In 2020, during a MotoGP race, Rossi found himself in a near-miss with riders Franco Morbidelli and Johann Zarco. The event was terrifying, and Rossi described it as the most dangerous moment of his entire career.

“Morbidelli’s motorbike flies past my helmet like a huge crazy bullet,” he said. The near-collision made Rossi realize just how unpredictable and hazardous the sport can be. It was an experience that left him shaken and, ultimately, it accelerated his decision to retire from full-time racing. “It was the most dangerous moment of my career,” he said. “An accident that accelerated the decision to stop riding motorcycles because it was out of my control.”

That moment of fear, when Rossi thought his life might be at risk, made him reflect on his future in MotoGP. The thought of a career-ending or even life-threatening accident pushed him to a point where he began seriously considering retirement. Though he would go on to continue racing for some time, the event played a significant role in his eventual decision to step away from the sport.

Beyond the pain of physical injuries and the fear of dangerous moments on track, Rossi also reflected on the emotional toll that his career has taken, particularly when remembering his dear friend Marco Simoncelli. Simoncelli, a beloved Italian rider, tragically passed away in a fatal accident during the 2011 Malaysian MotoGP. Rossi’s connection to Simoncelli was not just one of friendship but also of respect as fellow competitors.

The loss of Simoncelli left a void in Rossi’s heart that remains to this day. “Man, it just passed his birthday, January 20th,” Rossi said. “Oh, many thoughts that time softens. I say to myself: what a shame not to be close, to see what Sic would have done as a friend and as an adversary, generous as he was. It’s a regret that remains.” Simoncelli’s death was a devastating blow to the MotoGP family, and for Rossi, the loss of his friend has been a source of ongoing grief. Despite the passing years, the memory of Simoncelli is still very much alive in Rossi’s mind and heart.

Rossi’s career has been a remarkable journey of triumph, tragedy, and resilience. As the most famous face of MotoGP and one of the sport’s most successful riders, his legacy is etched into the fabric of motorsport history. The pain he endured from the 2010 crash, the fear he felt during the near-miss in 2020, and the emotional scars from losing his friend Simoncelli have all shaped the man he is today.

Even though his career has come with its fair share of hardships, Rossi’s commitment to the sport, his love for racing, and his ability to overcome the challenges life has thrown at him have made him a hero to millions. As he nears the end of his racing career, Valentino Rossi’s legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire generations of riders and fans alike.

The story of Valentino Rossi is one of enduring strength, both physically and emotionally. Through all the pain, loss, and fear, Rossi has shown that with determination and resilience, one can overcome even the most difficult moments. His journey is not just about the championships and victories, but also about the heart and soul he has poured into every lap, making him one of the greatest figures in the history of motorsport.