FORMER Valencia star Fernando Caceres has woken from his induced coma following complications from a gunshot wound sustained over a decade ago.
The Argentine, 51, was shot in the head by a mugger attempting to steal his car just outside Buenos Aires 11 years ago.
Fernando Caceres has woken from his medically-induced coma following complications from his 2009 gunshot woundCredit: @fernandocaceresFC/Newsflash
Ex-defender Caceres was rushed to hospital earlier this week following ‘side-effects’ from the wound.
According to local outlet La Capital, Caceres suffered convulsions before being taken to the medical centre and fitted with a ventilator.
Caceres spent 48 hours in a medically-induced coma, but has now woken up.
A statement from Martin Caceres Football Club, the Argentine team he set up following his shooting, confirmed the positive update.
Published to its Facebook account, it read: “We report that Mr. Fernando Caceres continues to be admitted to the Guemes de Haedo hospital.
“His condition is favourable and the artificial respirator has been removed.
“He is now awaiting updates. From now on, we appreciate the support received.”
Spanish newspaper ABC have claimed the reason behind his sudden decline in health is unclear.
Fernando Caceres played for Valencia, Celta Vigo (pictured) and Real Zaragoza during his time in SpainCredit: Reuters
Caceres also played for Argentina and even starred at the 1994 World CupCredit: AP:Associated Press
But they added ‘everything seems to indicate it is related with the bullet wound’ he suffered during his mugging.
Caceres initially spent eight weeks in a coma following his 2009 shooting.
The former defender – who spent 11 years in LaLiga – is believed to have lost the vision in one of his eyes, the use of one arm and even has difficulty walking.
Caceres played for Valencia, Real Zaragoza and Celta Vigo during his playing days in Spain.
The centre-back appeared in 311 LaLiga matches and represented Argentina in the 1994 World Cup.
He went on to play in the Argentine top-flight where he eventually retired in 2007.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
