Tony Bellew speaks out after hobbling off Soccer Aid pitch with agonising injury
Tony Bellew has broken his silence after being forced off just minutes into this year's Soccer Aid charity match with what appeared to be a painful groin injury.
The former boxing world champion, 42, was named in the starting XI for the World XI team at Old Trafford but lasted less than six minutes on the pitch. Bellew had his left leg heavily strapped before kick-off, and appeared to be in visible pain as he signalled to the bench and was helped off the field by physios.
Moments after Wayne Rooney gave England the lead with the fastest goal in Soccer Aid history after just four minutes, Bellew was seen clutching his leg and walking slowly towards the tunnel, covering his face with his hands.
On ITV, commentator Sam Matterface revealed that Bellew had reportedly told staff at the side of the pitch: "I heard it go." He added grimly, "That can't be good." Comedian and co-commentator Jason Manford echoed his concerns, saying: "That's not good."
Bellew has taken to Instagram to address fans and organisers after his early exit, saying: "Thank you Soccer Aid for @unicef_uk for letting me complete another dream. It's been an unbelievable experience to be around such legendary players and people.
"All that stuff aside, the most important thing about this and what it's all about is the donations that save and change people's lives.. please please please give what you can."
Fans sent him their well wishes, with one writing: "I hope you recover quickly from that injury! Take care and all the best." Another added: "Hope you're feeling ok this morning. That looked painful last night." A third chimed in: "Hope Tony is ok. Wishing him a speedy recovery."
Before the game had even begun, Bellew's manager Harry Redknapp told fans the Liverpudlian had already picked up a groin injury while training for Soccer Aid.
While on the Off Air podcast, Redknapp explained: "Tony Bellew, ex-world champion, he's just decided to boot a ball without even warming up and just tore his groin. He's so tough he'll probably play on with it."
However, the injury seems to have gotten worse early in the match, forcing Bellew to withdraw. Strictly Come Dancing star Gorka Marquez was brought on as his replacement.
Despite being born in Liverpool, Bellew was representing the World XI side for a second consecutive year. His teammates included football legends like Rivaldo, David Trezeguet and Nemanja Vidic, as well as celebrities Asim Chaudhry, Richard Gadd and Maisie Adam.
They faced an England squad made up of ex-professionals such as Jack Wilshere, Paul Scholes and Wayne Rooney, alongside stars like Louis Tomlinson, Bella Ramsey and Alex Brooker.
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