The beautiful game sometimes shows its ugly side. Other than racism and cheating, this side is injury to players. Some injuries shortened the careers of some players, some ended them while some players even fought back their injuries to make a comeback. Here is look at a few ghastly injuries which have occurred over the years.
1) Djibril Cisse:
Considered a bad boy and well-known for his eccentric hairdos, he showed that even the toughest of men cry. I think anyone will if they break their ankle not once but twice. Both injuries were career threatening, but he bounced back and now plays for Bastia in France. One may hate him but they should surely salute him.
2) Marcin Wasilewski:
Many Would not have heard of this player before his injury on 30 August 2009 when Alex Witsel (yeah, they guy with the afro from Belgium) broke his leg into two. The retribution came as Witsel was banned for 8 matches; it took 10 months of rehab and hard-work to make a return. Most recently he survived relegation from the Premier League with Leicester City.
3) Petr Cech:
Some may think that the ‘cap’ Cech is wears on his head is just for style, well he wears that ‘cap’ as a head guard because on 14 October 2006, he and Stephen Hunt both clashed for the ball in the penalty area at Madejski Stadium and Hunt’s right knee hit the Czech in the skull and he was taken off and was replaced by Carlo Cudicini, who incidentally himself was also knocked out unconscious later in the game.
Cech underwent a surgery for depressed skull fracture. Later, doctors said that the injury almost cost Cech his life and that he lucky to be alive. Doctors told him to retire but his love for the game drew him back to football field and he is currently one of the best ‘keepers in the world. He also won the Champions League famously in 2012 with Chelsea while donning the famous headgear.
4) Fabrice Muamba:
In a FA Cup match against Bolton and Tottenham at the White Hart Lane, Fabrice Muamba suddenly slumped to the ground. And the manner in which he fell was heart-stopping and he looked as if he had been stupefied.
Quite literally as he had a cardiac arrest and his heart stopped for 78 minutes. With the help of medics on the field and a fan (who was a practising cardiologist), he received lengthy attention and was taken to a nearby hospital. After much help by doctors he was finally back on his feet. But the rising star had to retire on the advice of his medical team.
This is what he said –
“Since suffering my heart attack and being discharged from hospital, I have remained utterly positive in the belief I could one day resume my playing career and play for Bolton Wanderers once again. As part of my on-going recovery, last week I travelled to Belgium to seek further medical advice from a leading cardiologist.
“But the news I received was obviously not what I had hoped it would be and it means I am now announcing my retirement from professional football. Football has been my life since I was a teenage boy and it has given me so many opportunities. Above all else, I love the game and count myself very lucky to have been able to play at the highest level.
“While the news is devastating, I have much to be thankful for. I thank God that I am alive and I pay tribute once again to the members of the medical team who never gave up on me. I would also like to thank everyone who has supported me throughout my career, and the Bolton fans who have been incredible. I am blessed to have the support of my family and friends at this time.”
Though one may not call it an ‘injury’ and it was rather natural, it still deserves a mention.
5) Aaron Ramsey:
Teenager Aaron Ramsey had just broken into the first team when he broke his leg. Though Ryan Shawcross didn’t mean to do it intentionally, the tackle was horribly timed and Ramsey’s leg looked bent out of shape as he was screaming in agony. Since the injury, Ramsey has made a stellar return playing regularly for Arsenal and has now won 2 FA Cups with them.
After the injury to Ramsey, Shawcross was seen crying and he even apologized publicly to Ramsey. Well, he at least showed remorse.
Other notable mentions-
Wayne Rooney: In 2012, Rooney suffered a severe gash to his right leg against Fulham when Hugo Rodallega put his studs on him.
Xabi Alonso: During the World Cup final in 2010, Nigel De Jong put his studs straight into the heart of Alonso leaving him writhing in pain. And De Jong only got a yellow card. Looks like De Jong does kung fu better than football.
Eduardo: On 23 February 2008, just a few months before the Ramsey incident, Eduardo suffered a broken left fibula and open dislocation of his left ankle during a match between Arsenal and Birmingham City (He played for Arsenal). The images of the injury were so severe that Sky Sports, the broadcasters, decided against showing the replays of the injury. Ever since he failed to regain his form and was transferred to Shakhtar Donetsk.
There are many more injuries that have occurred but these, in my opinion, are the most gruesome of all time.
