Former Schalke and Cardiff City striker Guido Burgstaller has been hospitalised after being the victim of a “physical attack” in Vienna, Austria, with the attacker still at large
Austria international Guido Burgstaller has been attacked in Vienna, leaving him with serious head injuries.
Rapid Vienna released a statement saying: “There is some very bad news to report before SK Rapid’s last home game of the season. Guido Burgstaller was the victim of a physical attack in the presence of witnesses at the weekend and suffered serious head injuries.
“The 35-year-old from Carinthia was attacked by an unknown man in the centre of Vienna and suffered a fractured skull after a fall caused by a brutal blow.
“Burgstaller was immediately examined and treated in a Viennese hospital. Unfortunately, he will have to spend the next few days there and it is also a fact that he will not be able to work for several months.
“SK Rapid wishes its worthy player a speedy and uncomplicated recovery and trusts in the responsible authorities that the as yet unknown perpetrator will be brought to justice quickly. We ask that you respect the privacy of Guido Burgstaller and his family.
“If there is any news in the next few days, SK Rapid will report it in consultation with its medical department and Guido Burgstaller. SK Rapid will of course fully support Guido Burgstaller on his way to a full and hopefully speedy recovery.”
Burgstaller has had a lengthy career both in Germany and Austria, starting his professional journey with FC Kärnten before moving to Wiener Neustadt.
The forward signed for Rapid Vienna in 2011 and spent three years with the Austrian heavyweights before transferring to Championship side Cardiff City. Burgstaller then had stints at Nurnberg, Schalke and St.Pauli, reports the Mirror.
He made a return to Rapid in 2022 and has since netted 42 goals in 94 appearances.
The striker also boasts 26 Austria caps, having debuted in 2012, and has scored twice for his nation. Despite initially retiring in 2019, he made a comeback to the national team just over four years later under the guidance of former Manchester United manager Ralf Rangnick.