Post by Liam O'Reilly on Aug 25, 2006 11:42:12 GMT
Portsmouth ace Pedro Mendes has admitted he feared he could have suffered long-term injuries after Ben Thatcher's horrific challenge on him.
Mendes was stretchered off during Pompey's draw with City on Wednesday night after appearing to be caught in the face by Thatcher's forearm.
The Portuguese midfielder was knocked unconscious by the challenge and he was forced to spend the night in hospital after suffering a seizure.
The Football Association and Greater Manchester Police have revealed they are looking into the incident, while Thatcher has since apologised for the challenge.
Mendes admitted the incident was the worst thing ever to happen to him and he is ready to help The FA in their investigation.
"The moment was terrible," Mendes told the Daily Mail.
"After the incident my head crashed into the fence and I do not remember anything after that until I was in hospital.
"At first I had real fears about possible after-effects of the incident but the doctors told me they are optimistic I will be okay.
"I am a strong person and one day I hope to forget what happened.
"But this is the worst thing that ever happened to me in my career. It is the hardest to deal with.
"The tackle was totally unnecessary by Thatcher but I am not the referee and the decision from now on does not depend on me.
"As far as I am concerned this match is finished for me now and we move on.
"Now this subject is in the hands of Portsmouth and the FA. If I am called by them to speak then I will give my opinion."
Mendes was stretchered off during Pompey's draw with City on Wednesday night after appearing to be caught in the face by Thatcher's forearm.
The Portuguese midfielder was knocked unconscious by the challenge and he was forced to spend the night in hospital after suffering a seizure.
The Football Association and Greater Manchester Police have revealed they are looking into the incident, while Thatcher has since apologised for the challenge.
Mendes admitted the incident was the worst thing ever to happen to him and he is ready to help The FA in their investigation.
"The moment was terrible," Mendes told the Daily Mail.
"After the incident my head crashed into the fence and I do not remember anything after that until I was in hospital.
"At first I had real fears about possible after-effects of the incident but the doctors told me they are optimistic I will be okay.
"I am a strong person and one day I hope to forget what happened.
"But this is the worst thing that ever happened to me in my career. It is the hardest to deal with.
"The tackle was totally unnecessary by Thatcher but I am not the referee and the decision from now on does not depend on me.
"As far as I am concerned this match is finished for me now and we move on.
"Now this subject is in the hands of Portsmouth and the FA. If I am called by them to speak then I will give my opinion."