Togolese international footballer Samuel Asamoah is set to make a remarkable return to football just months after breaking his neck during a match in China.
Asamoah, 31, who plays for Chinese second-tier club Guangxi Pingguo, sustained the injury earlier this month after colliding head-first with a pitch-side LED advertising board. The impact occurred when he was pushed by an opponent while contesting the ball.
At the time, his club said he had suffered neck fractures and nerve damage, warning that he was at risk of high-level paralysis and that his career could be in jeopardy.
However, his agent, Avram Marius, told AFP that Asamoah’s condition had greatly improved. “He is ok and doing recovery. In two months he can play normally,” he said.
A club representative confirmed the midfielder’s progress but said his full return to football could take between three and six months. “Currently, Asamoah is doing some basic strength recovery,” the representative said.
In a video posted by Guangxi Pingguo on Friday, Asamoah appeared to be walking comfortably while wearing a neck brace. He was seen visiting a fruit shop and an elderly care home, where he interacted with fans and well-wishers.
“I always thank God for the gift of life,” Asamoah said in the video.
The Togolese player, who spent most of his professional career in Belgium before moving to China last year, has made six appearances for Togo’s national team, according to football statistics website Transfermarkt.
His steady recovery has brought relief to fans who feared his playing career might have ended abruptly after the shocking incident.
