Eduardo: I can't remember the impact

LONDON: Arsenal striker Eduardo said the memory of the horror tackle which left him with a broken leg and ruled him out of Euro 2008 was just a blur.

The Croatia international, who celebrates his 25th birthday on Monday, suffered the injury after a tackle from Birmingham defender Martin Taylor during Arsenal's 2-2 draw on Saturday.

Eduardo told Arsenal's official website, www.arsenal.com: "I don't remember the incident very well and it is not something that I want to see again on television or in the newspapers.

"All I remember is that when I fell, I looked down at my foot and it had turned the other way. The rest is just a blank. It was an unfortunate situation but these things can happen in football.

"I am unsure at the moment of the extent of the injury and how long I will be out of action for but I know that I won't be able to play for Arsenal for the rest of the season or be ready in time for the Euros this summer.

"But I'm not worried about that. My concentration and determination is on making as quick a recovery as possible. I am determined to overcome this injury."

Eduardo, who moved to the Emirates Stadium from Dinamo Zagreb last year, was transferred from a Birmingham hospital to an unnamed London hospital on Sunday, where he will undergo further treatment.

"I would like to thank the medical team here at Arsenal for their efforts as well as the staff at Selly Oak Hospital who carried out the operation on Saturday night," said Eduardo.

"I would also like to say how touched I am by the many messages of support I have received and to be surrounded by my loved ones at this time."

Croatia manager Slaven Bilic said he was stunned by the incident.

"This is horrible. The fact he won't play at the Euros is less important - most important is that he recovers as soon as possible and resumes his footballing career.

"He is a great guy. Of course I will visit him very soon, trying to cheer him up."

As well as missing Euro 2008, Eduardo must also be considered extremely doubtful for the start of Croatia's 2010 World Cup qualifying program.

AFP

(China Daily 02/26/2008 page23)