Canadian national team player Ismael Kone has sent a touching message from the hospital after sustaining a serious injury. The 24-year-old midfielder expressed his deep gratitude for the outpouring of love and support he has received.
«To everyone who has shown me love and support: Thank you. Truly. You can’t even imagine how much it means to me,» Kone wrote on Instagram. «I am infinitely grateful for each and every person who has reached out and included me in their prayers. I thank Allah for this, because not everyone is so blessed.»
Kone suffered a fracture of his left tibia and fibula during a challenge in Canada’s second group match against Qatar in Vancouver, which Canada won 6-0. The midfielder, who plays for US Sassuolo, received lengthy medical attention on the field before being transported to the hospital. His Canadian teammates formed a protective huddle around Kone during the on-field treatment to shield him from close-up TV cameras. Nathan Saliba later held up a Koné jersey after Canada’s fourth goal.
Addressing his teammates, Kone added, «To my Canadian brothers, as I temporarily step into an assistant coach role and support you from the sidelines, I want you to know how much I love you from the bottom of my heart. Our brotherhood means everything to me. I will never forget what you did yesterday.»
Kone vowed to make a return «very soon» and continue «creating unforgettable memories together.» He described the current challenge as «a test – of my faith and my character. And honestly, I am ready for it.»