Chelsea skipper Cesar Azpilicueta has officially thanked everyone who helped after he sustained a head injury in a 1-0 loss to Southampton on Saturday. The player lay motionless on the pitch after being struck in the face by Sekou Mara as the Saints substitute attempted an overhead kick.
The 33-year-old Spain defender received oxygen treatment for several minutes before being taken off on a stretcher, though he was conscious as he left the field. After the game, Chelsea head coach Graham Potter said the player was “conscious” and “speaking” in the hospital.
On Sunday, the full-back took to Twitter and tweeted: “My family and I would like to thank everyone who has been looking after me since yesterday’s incident.” ”From the @ChelseaFC medical team to team-mates and opponents, to St Mary’s and Cleveland Hospital and all staff members and doctors: a massive thank you from the bottom of my heart. Now, time to recover and I will see you soon on the pitch!”
He also said: “It was a bad moment for us,” Potter said on Saturday. “I think he was unconscious at one point, so it was worrying for everyone. It was accidental but still, it was a kick in the face. You can see how bad it was.”