Canada's World Cup campaign was rocked on Thursday night by a horrific injury to midfielder Ismael Kone, who suffered a broken leg after a challenge from Qatar's Assim Madibo. Kone has now broken his silence, vowing to 'be back very soon' as he spoke for the first time since the incident.
Horror Injury During Victory
Kone sustained the injury during Canada's 6-0 victory over Qatar in their Group B match in Vancouver. The tackle occurred in the 52nd minute, and although Kone was able to sit up as he was carried off on a stretcher, he now faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
Message of Gratitude and Determination
Taking to Instagram on Friday afternoon, the 24-year-old thanked his teammates for their support and promised to return to create more memories. He said: 'ALLAH has never failed me. Throughout my life, not even once. So why doubt him now? Especially knowing that. He knows and sees everything before it even happened. He has a plan and a vision for all of us.'
He added: 'This battle is a test to my faith in him and to my character. And honestly I'm ready for it because ALLAH will never give you a challenge that you can't overcome and being tested is the best of gifts from God.'
Kone expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support: 'Your love and support has been felt, honestly thank you so much. You can't even imagine how grateful I am to everyone who reached out and has me in their prayers. I thank God for that because not everyone is this fortunate.'
Brotherhood and Future Plans
Addressing his Canadian teammates, Kone said: 'To Canadian brothers, as I turned myself into assistant coach to support you from the sideline. I wanted you to know that I love you guys from the bottom of my heart and our brotherhood is everything to me.'
He concluded: 'What you guys did yesterday will stay with me forever. I'll be back very soon and we'll keep making more memories together.'
