The player who had his leg snapped by ex-Real Madrid fullback Marcelo, and who has been ruled out for at least 10 months following the incident, has revealed what the Brazilian did in the aftermath of the accidental horror challenge.
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In a Copa Libertadores match against Argentinos Juniors on Tuesday, the Fluminense left-back was shown a straight red card after causing what many believed could be a career-ending injury to Luciano Sanchez.
Marcelo stood on the Argentine's left leg while attempting to run with the ball, instantly snapping it. After it was first thought that Sanchez's leg had broken as the gruelling images circulated online, Argentinos' team doctor Alejandro Roncoroni suggested it was, in fact, a serious dislocation that will require more than one surgery.
"In 23 years as a doctor, I have never seen an injury like this," he told DSports Radio.
"(Donato) Villani (Argentine FA doctor) who has spent 40 years in the profession, told me the same thing. It's almost a separation of the femur and fibula. There is an anterior and posterior cruciate tear and we also need to take a look at how the menisci have been affected.
"We have to reconstruct the inside of the player's knee. The recovery period will be between 10 and 12 months. Two surgical interventions will be required.
"I'd like to highlight Luciano's integrity – as soon as the area was immobilised, he dedicated himself to calming down his girlfriend and everyone around him during that moment of despair, explaining that he was no longer in any pain."
After the match, Marcelo, who left the game that ended 1-1 in tears, took to social media to issue a statement in which he wished Sanchez strength for the months ahead, while the player has revealed in an interview that the ex-Brazil international has been in contact with him privately too.
"Marcelo called me and sent me a message. I know it was unintentional. I already admired him as a player and now I do for the person he is," he told TyC Sports.
"I also want to thank everyone who sent me messages and wished me strength."
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Marcelo has made 28 appearances for Fluminense since his arrival in February this year, contributing to six goals so far.
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