Former Liverpool star Fabio Aurelio was left with broken ribs and a damaged lung after returning to Anfield for the clash with Ajax Legends.
A crop of former players recently came together during the international break to face off on Merseyside, with the 44-year-old joining the likes of Fernando Torres as they donned the red kit once more. Liverpool ran out eventual winners, but the competitive juices got the better of Aurelio.
Ajax took the lead and, when Kiki Musampa threatened to make it 2-0, the former Red came flying in to block his shot. The impact left him with notable injuries as his return home was delayed and he was forced to spend the night in Aintree University Hospital.
He told the Athletic: “I just tried to make the block and as he followed through after shooting, he ended up hitting me with his knee. You don’t expect an accident like that to happen in a Legends match, but when you go out there in front of 60,000 people, the competitive streak comes out.
“I couldn’t fly back last week because of the damage to my lung. At the start, the doctors said I would need to wait three weeks, so I was a bit scared, but the specialist saw the X-rays a few days ago and said it has settled down. The lung is OK and with the ribs, it’s just a matter of time for them to heal.
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“I feel much better now and I’ve been well looked after by the club. There’s always a good side to bad things. It meant I was able to enjoy Sunday’s game against Brighton at Anfield. Apart from the accident, it’s been a fantastic trip.”
Liverpool were victorious, securing a 4-2 win thanks to second-half goals from Gregory Vignal, Djibril Cisse, Nabil El Zhar and Torres. Lifelong fan and terminally ill Sven Goran Eriksson was able to fulfil a dream by leading the Reds as their manager.
The former Red had to spend the night in hospitalAurelio signed for the Merseysiders in 2006, becoming the first Brazilian to sign for the Anfield outfit. He spent six years at Liverpool before returning to his homeland. One of his highlights for the club was scoring a free-kick in front of the Stretford End during a 4-1 demolition of Manchester United back in 2009.
He claimed the Community Shield in 2006 as well as the League Cup in 2012 during his time with the club. Aurelio was signed by Rafa Benitez, whom he worked with at Valencia, and also played under Roy Hodgson and Kenny Dalglish.
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