Mendes hopes to move on
25 Aug 2006 - 09:11:46
Portsmouth midfielder Pedro Mendes has spoken for the first time about his horrific injury in the goalless draw against Manchester City in midweek.
Mendes was knocked out and suffered a fit on the pitch after being elbowed in the head by Citizens defender Ben Thatcher, with the Portuguese spending the night in hospital before being released to return home.
He is still under observation and faces a spell on the sidelines while he continues his recovery.
Mendes told the Daily Mail: "The moment was terrible. After the incident, I do not remember anything after that until I was in hospital.
"It is the worst thing that has ever happened to me in my career.
"At first I had real fear about possible after-effects of the incident, but the doctors are optimistic I will be okay.
"The tackle was totally unnecessary, but I am not the referee and the decision from now on does not depend on me.
"As far as I am concerned this match is finished for me now and we move on.
"This subject is now in the hands of Portsmouth and the FA. If am called on to speak then I will give my opinion."