A message has been sent to Jean Pierre Arroyo Vernaza after the Ecuador footballer suffered a serious ankle injury during a match for Independiente del Valle
Former Manchester United star Antonio Valencia has delivered a heartfelt message to a fellow Ecuadorian footballer following a horrific leg fracture during a match. Jean Pierre Arroyo Vernaza was representing Independiente del Valle on Saturday in a top-flight clash with Mushuc Runa.
However, his involvement ended after just 60 minutes. Whilst attempting to break through towards goal, he was brought down by opposing defender Brian Negro.
Vernaza sustained a severe ankle injury, with his foot twisted in an unnatural direction, before collapsing to the turf in agony. Negro received a straight red card for the challenge but disputed the decision, sparking a mass confrontation between both teams, with some players visibly emotional.
Meanwhile, Vernaza underwent extensive medical attention on the pitch before being transported to hospital by ambulance. Ex-Manchester United winger Valencia is amongst those who have sent messages of support after the incident, having endured a comparable injury during his spell at Old Trafford.
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Posting on Twitter, he said: “Stay strong in these tough times, you have to come back even stronger. There is no other option, friend.”
A statement from Independiente del Valle said: “Club Independiente del Valle, in light of the unfortunate injury suffered by our player Jean Pierre Arroyo Vernaza, deeply appreciates the overwhelming number of messages, expressions of affection, and concern shown by fans, clubs, and the entire football community.
“This support and solidarity are a fundamental driving force for Jean Pierre to face this moment with strength and return to the pitch stronger than ever. The club sends him all our strength and wishes him a speedy and successful recovery. The entire Independiente del Valle team and family are with him during this difficult time.”
Negro has since apologised for the incident. Speaking to Diario Ecuador, he said: “I apologize. Being faster, I caught his ankle. As a person and a footballer, I feel terrible. I’ve called to go to the hospital when things calm down, because it’s still hot.
“I hadn’t realized (what happened). Wishing him a successful operation and a speedy recovery.”
Independiente del Valle ultimately triumphed 3-1. Elvis Velasco had opened the scoring for Mushuc Runa, with Emerson Pata levelling before the interval.
Negro received his marching orders for the challenge on 63 minutes, whilst both Cristopher Angulo and Jordy Alcivar were also dismissed following the mass confrontation between the two teams. Independiente sealed the win with two stoppage-time strikes from Matias Mijail Perello.
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