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Atletico's Torres in stable condition following head injury

March 3, 2017

Atletico Madrid striker Fernando Torres was taken to hospital following a sickening head injury in the match against Deportivo. Atletico said the player is stable and conscious.

https://p.dw.com/p/2YZXq
Spanien Fußball Deportivo La Coruña vs. Atletico Madrid | Verletzung Fernando Torres
Image: picture-alliance/Zuma Press/J.M. Alvarez Rey

Atletico Madrid's Fernando Torres fell face down on the pitch towards the end of his side's 1-1 draw at Depotivo La Coruna on Thursday after being hit from behind by a Deportivo player.

Players from both teams rushed towards the unconscious striker, urgently calling for medical attention. Torres was assisted by medical staff for several minutes before leaving the field on a stretcher and being taken to hospital.

The football world held its breath for news on Torres' condition and was able to breathe a sigh of relief after a CT scan showed that the 32-year-old Spanish international had suffered no traumatic brain or spine injuries.

"A cranial and cervical CT scan carried out on Fernando Torres has ruled out that the Rojiblanco striker has suffered any alterations or traumatic injuries," Atletico Madrid said in a statement. "Our player, who is stable, conscious and oriented, had to be removed by ambulance after being stabilized according to the usual protocol, before entering the Model Hospital of La Coruna, where he will spend the night in observation."

Torres took to Twitter later on Thursday to thank fans for their support, reassuring them that the injury was just a scare.

 

Atletico defender Jose Maria Gimenez was visibly distressed during the incident, crying on the sidelines. Atletico's Sime Vrsaljko and captain Gabi were praised afterwards for reacting quickly to ensure Torres didn't swallow his tongue whilst unconscious.

"The dressing room was silent," forward Antoine Griezmann, who scored Atletico's equalizer, said afterwards. "No one wanted to talk, everyone has their heads down because of what happened, no one was talking about the result."

Torres is beloved by Atletico fans for his devotion to the club he has supported since he was young. He began his career at Atletico before leaving to England for stints at Liverpool and Chelsea. He returned to Atletico in 2015. 

The striker has won numerous major honors, including two European Championships and one World Cup with Spain. Among his personal highlights was scoring the winning goal in the 2008 European Championships final against Germany in 2008. 

EM 2008 Deutschland vs Spanien
Fernando Torres was widely considered among the world's best players after scoring the winning goal in the Euro 2008 final against Germany.Image: picture-alliance/dpa

dm/bw (AFP, AP, SID)