WARNING, GRAHPIC IMAGES: Stephen Ireland broke both his tibia and fibula during a cup final and shared an update on his leg break recovery
Ex-Manchester City ace Stephen Ireland has unveiled the grisly post-surgery scars following his double leg-break during a Sunday league match.
The Republic of Ireland international took to social media with the latest update after undergoing surgery for breaking both his tibia and fibula during a veterans cup final. In a series of Instagram posts on Saturday, Ireland was seen entering the facility on crutches, captioned: “Nice early morning wake up to get clips/sutures out.”
In another story, he shared a monochrome shot of his leg out of its cast, revealing visible scars and stitches. The injury happened earlier this month while Ireland was playing for Wythenshawe’s over-35s in the Cheshire Veterans Premier Division Cup final against South Liverpool.
The Vets team gained online fame earlier this season for their squad of former Premier League stars, steamrolling their opponents; during the cup final, Newcastle United cult-hero Papiss Cisse had scored a hat-trick before the match was called off due to Ireland’s injury.
This follows Ireland’s first social media post since the incident. The former Aston Villa and Stoke City midfielder shared a video featuring the leg-breaking incident, which shows opposition players holding their heads in their hands after the tackle.
The post continues, showing images of Ireland lying on the pitch receiving medical attention from paramedics, then in a hospital bed before departing on crutches, reports the Mirror.
There was confusion surrounding the initial incident, which took place at Warrington Rylands’ Gorsey Lane, before his wife disclosed the full severity of the injuries.
In a heartfelt Instagram post, Ireland’s wife, Jessica, shared a moving photograph holding the former Republic of Ireland international’s hand as he lay in a hospital bed, 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, THANK YOU 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.”