5 most ridiculous off the field injuries in football
Footballers and injuries, unfortunately for everyone, go hand-in-hand with each other. Many footballers can claim that they were on the brink of becoming the ‘next big thing’ before faltering due to a wrongly timed tackle. But in the world of football, most injuries that occur off the field are hardly noticed. Yet, credit will be given where credit is due, and hence, without any further ado, here are the 5 most ridiculous off the field injuries in Football.
5. Alessandro Nesta
The Italian defending legend owes a lot to his injuries, claiming that he met his physiotherapist wife as she treated his injury while he was playing for the Italian National team. However, he clearly won’t be very pleased with the dubious honor of being fifth on this list. Nesta suffered a huge injury to his wrist tendon, and his team doctor traced it back to his PlayStation addiction! Now who says that FIFA 14 isn’t as dangerous as the real thing?
4. Rio Ferdinand
Footballers are not suited to a sedentary life. Hence, when Manchester United defender (then in Leeds) spent way too long in one position in front of his telly, a simple task such as reaching out for his phone resulted in a strained knee tendon. You should stick to appearing on the TV Rio (not that he doesn’t get injured that way either!)
3. Bryan Robson
Manchester United’s longest serving captain had a fair share of injuries in his career, but the one that bags him a 2nd Runners up position on this list occurred when he got too irritated of his national teammate Paul Gascoigne. Trying to shake Gazza off his bed turned out to be a very bad idea indeed, since the bed landed on his toe! Next time, do as I do and pour a pail of water Robby!
2. Santiago Cañizares
The Spanish legend between the sticks was regarded as one of the finest shot stoppers in the world back in 2002, and certainly the best in his home country, Spain. However, Santi’s reaction time got the better of him, as he attempted to break the fall of an aftershave bottle, promptly sending him to the hospital with a severed tendon. Santiago missed the 2002 World Cup, paving the way for Iker Casillas, but hey! At least his feet didn’t stink!
1. Darius Vassell
Some footballers are merely unlucky with their injuries, while others are just a little careless. Falling neatly into neither of the two categories is Darius Vassell. In an act that borders between self-harm and outright stupidity, the ex-Manchester City striker power drilled his toe to get rid of a blister! A wise do-it-yourself remedy indeed, till it became infected. Clearly the most intelligent Manchester City striker ever till a certain Mario Balotelli arrived to take the crown but Balo didn’t try self-harm with his blowtorch at least!