In 2017 Salvador Sobral won Eurovision while simultaneously dealing with public chatter about his very personal health issues.

But with the new year comes a fresh start and new beginnings — all of which has been amplified by today’s news that the jazz star has finally left the hospital.

“It’s with great satisfaction that we share with you that Salvador was released from the hospital yesterday, January 11,” his team wrote in a statement posted on Instagram.

“The singer made a good recovery without complications. As usual, with transplants post-surgery, there’s still a restriction on exposure to a lot of people. We thank you already for respecting Salvador’s space. Let’s avoid hugging. He already feels embraced by everyone. Soon we will have news on his return to the stage. Thank you for your kindness and understanding.”

Salvador’s release is a welcome coda to the December 9 news that he had undergone a successful heart transplant.

But, as his team expressed in their message above, the period immediately after the transplant is sensitive and critical, and he and his team have had to take great care to let him fully heal as his body accepts the new organ.

His release suggests he has overcome the most major hurdles and that his future will be both healthy and bright.

During a December 9 press conference, held at the Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Ocidental (West Lisbon Hospital Centre), one of Salvador’s doctors praised his patience and courage, saying that he was “alright”, while another said that he was “very cheerful” following the procedure.

Ahead of the operation Salvador requested that doctors play classical music — presumably to help calm any nerves he may have had.

On September 9, the “Amar pelos dois” singer officially stepped away from the limelight, giving an emotional farewell concert ahead of his temporary career hiatus.

Performing at the Jardins do Casino Estoril, as part of the International Festival of Culture, the quirky star sang his most beloved songs, including “Excuse Me”, “Change” and “Nada Que Esperar”.

Later that month he entered Lisbon’s Santa Cruz Hospital where he was under the observation of a skilled team of doctors who specialise in heart-related issues.

The Portuguese broadcaster RTP recently celebrated Salvador’s Eurovision win with a touching two-part documentary, that followed him from the start of Festival da Cancao all the way to the aftermath of his Eurovision win.

At one point Salvador described the overwhelming moment when he knew he had won, and how he struggled to find the words to express his emotion.

“There were like 40 meters to get to the stage,” he said laughing, “and I’m thinking: What am I going to say? I knew there was a speech.”

“If I had a speech prepared it could have been more serious. It could have had more meaning, I could have been a bit more coherent. But it was a strong, emotional moment. You want to say everything. I don’t know. It came out like that. Truly, it came out of the depth of my soul, because of everything I was feeling that week.”

We’re sending Salvador and his family all our very best wishes as he continues to heal. We look forward to seeing him perform again live very soon!

READ MORE PORTUGAL EUROVISION NEWS

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Andrea
Andrea
6 years ago

FORÇA SALVADOR!

Luz
Luz
6 years ago

Very happy to hear that Salvador is recovering well. What a year 2017 was for him and his family. His family must be so relieved to have their son alive and overcome well this crucial period. Take your time Salvador, your fans are waiting for you!

Jonas
Jonas
6 years ago

Great news, and how great that now he can finally start living “normally” again – the only way is up!

Hada
Hada
6 years ago

Best wishes to Salvador! This must be a happy but exhausting time for him. I hope to see him and Luísa at ESC!

Mae
Mae
6 years ago

I am very happy for him. Best wishes to him and his family !

Elsa
Elsa
6 years ago

Very happy for Salvador!
A news report published by Spanish paper “El Independiente” says that he is in good spirits and keeping his sense of humour. He is already thinking of a new album, while his Live CD – “Excuse Me Ao Vivo” (which was released a few days before Christmas) is on the top of the album charts in Portugal. He really is wonderful with live performances and this album is really worth to listen. It’s available on Spotify, btw.

Elsa
Elsa
6 years ago
Reply to  Elsa

The album includes a live version of Amar pelos Dois, which was recorded during his concerts in Casa da Música (in Porto), on the 5th and 18th of July. Here it is: https://open.spotify.com/album/1FBWi4eM9XDIg4xvo4FXdH#_=_

ESC Croatia Fan
ESC Croatia Fan
6 years ago

Good to hear, sending best wishes to Salvador. I hope he makes an appearance on the 29th when the allocation draw starts!