RKC goalkeeper Etienne Vaessen needs rest. He said this in a statement via RKC Waalwijk. The goalkeeper became unconscious on Saturday evening after a hard collision with Ajax player Brian Brobbey. He was resuscitated on the field as a precaution. Vaessen now thanks everyone for all the support he and his family received after the match against Ajax.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who sympathizes with me and my family. We greatly appreciate the support,” the goalkeeper said.
Vaessen swallowed his tongue as a result of the blow on Saturday evening and was preventively resuscitated. His fellow players and the fans were so emotional that the match was subsequently stopped.
The goalkeeper was allowed to leave the hospital a day later. “I would like to thank the medical staff of RKC and of course also the (medical) people of Ajax and the ambulance staff for acting quickly and correctly,” Vaessen said in his statement on Monday.
A photo was posted with the message, showing Vaessen with a battered face at the spot where Brobbey hit him with a shoe. In the photo, the goalkeeper shows a large fruit basket and a bouquet of flowers that he received from fans.
Vaessen was treated on the field for several minutes and was then carried off the field on a stretcher to loud applause.
Video calling with teammates
“This morning I was able to make a brief video call with my teammates, the staff and everyone involved within RKC Waalwijk. It was very nice to see everyone again. The first period of my recovery consists of taking some rest. As a result, I will continue to do so in the coming period. unable to respond to all messages.”
It is unclear when the match, which was stopped in the 84th minute, will resume. Ajax, which led 2-3, claimed on its website on Monday the points alreadybut that was later corrected after criticism.
“For now it is important that we focus on the match against Almere City FC next Saturday. I have every confidence in my teammates,” says Vaessen.
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