Anthony Martial has been forced to pull out of a scheduled presentation to AEK Athens fans at his new club’s stadium after an injury setback.
The former Manchester United striker landed in Greece to complete his move to the capital city club but suffered a stubbed toe when attempting to lift his luggage of the airport’s baggage carousel.
Martial’s representatives claim the injury is likely to keep the Frenchman out of action for the remainder of the season, which will come as a blow to the Greek club who sanctioned the most expensive contract in the club’s history to secure his services.
The 28-year-old gave AEK fans a glimmer of hope by posting an image of the bandaged toe on his Instagram account along with the caption: ‘I will come back, eventually, stronger’.
Martial spent nine seasons at United during time he became a stalwart of the club’s treatment room and a firm favourite with the club doctors.
‘I always wear socks and sliders for comfort when travelling’, the former Monaco forward told Paddy Power News.
‘If I’d been wearing trainers, or Crocs even, my toes may have been afforded at little more protection’.
AEK Athens fans turned out in force to welcome Anthony Martial to their club 😳🇬🇷🟡
📹 @aek365gr pic.twitter.com/UYKVjWwChL
— OneFootball (@OneFootball) September 18, 2024
The one-time most expensive teenager in world football recalls the harrowing moment his big toe made contact with the carousel:
‘I spotted my Gucci bag on the conveyor belt and stepped forward to pick it up when I heard the sickening thud. Straight away I knew I was in trouble’.
‘I couldn’t bring myself to look, so I asked one of my entourage to roll down the sock and inspect the damage.
‘When I heard the gasps, I knew it was a bad one. Fortunately, the nail was still intact, but my own personal physician said it was one of the worst stubbings he’d seen in his whole career.
‘I hope to be on the pitch as soon as possible but you can rush things like a stubbed toe. I’m told next pre-season is a realistic target – barring any setbacks during recovery’.
*Paddy Power’s football coverage is pure fantasy – don’t believe it for a second
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