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.
