Stephen Ireland damage replace as ex-Man City star undergoes surgical procedure after horror leg break
Former Manchester City midfielder Stephen Ireland suffered a double leg break during a Cheshire Veterans Cup final on Sunday, with his wife posting an update on his condition
Stephen Ireland suffered a horror leg break playing Sunday league
Former Manchester City ace Stephen Ireland suffered a double leg break requiring surgery, as revealed by his wife, Jessica, who posted an update on his condition.
The 39-year-old was playing for the star-studded Wythenshawe over-35s in the Cheshire Veterans Premier Division Cup final against South Liverpool when he was on the end of a horrific tackle. Wythenshawe were leading 3-0 at the time of the injury thanks to a hat-trick from former Newcastle United striker Papiss Cisse.
Ireland is said to have waited around 30 minutes for an ambulance, which drove onto the pitch at Warrington Rylands’ Gorsey Lane, before transporting the former Aston Villa and Stoke City star to hospital. Ireland is understood to be recovering well.
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In a post on Instagram, Ireland’s wife shared a photo of herself holding the former Republic of Ireland international’s hand in a hospital bed, with him still wearing his Wythenshawe shirt. She wrote: “I wouldn’t usually do such a personal post on here but I just felt I needed to update everyone who has been messaging and asking how Stephen is doing.
“I feel bad that haven’t managed to reply to everyone yet and I didn’t want anyone to think I was ignoring their kind concern,
“I have just been in hospital with Stephen since the incident happened Sunday morning and understandably just focused on getting him better.
“Stephen incurred a “both-bone” break to his leg, his tibia and fibula were badly broken and therefore he needed surgery.”
“He came out of surgery last night and thankfully all went well, he is now on the road to recovery.
“We Just wanted to thank everyone for the overwhelming concern and support and all the lovely messages!
“To everyone who was there when it happened and knows how traumatic it was, THANKYOU for the immediate action that was taken and for the incredible support that day
“He’s got a tough road ahead but anyone that knows Stephen will know he’ll be fighting fit as soon as physically possible.”
Ireland, who made 176 appearances for City, has been central to the success of the star-studded team. The likes of Papiss Cisse, Marc Albrighton, Danny Drinkwater, Maynor Figueroa, Joleon Lescott, Nedum Onuoha, Emile Heskey and Antonio Valencia have all turned out for the team this season.
Top of the Cheshire Veterans Football League Premier Division, Wythenshawe have won all 10 of their league games with a goal difference of 77. They also won the Manchester FA Veterans Cup, beating East Manchester 9-2 last month.
