AUSTRIA international and former EFL footballer Guido Burgstaller has been rushed to hospital after an alleged savage attack left him with a fractured skull.
It’s feared he will never play again after the attack in the streets of Vienna.
A statement from his club side Rapid Vienna announced that the 35-year-old had been the victim of a physical attack on Sunday.
Burgstaller, who has been capped 26 times by Austria, is said to have suffered “significant head injuries”.
The attack took place in the city centre in view of witnesses.
Burgstaller had announced he would be retiring next summer, but Rapid now fear he will not play for them again following the shocking attack.
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A club statement said: “Burgstaller was immediately examined and treated in detail in a Viennese hospital.
“Unfortunately, he will have to spend the coming days there and the fact is that he will not be able to practice his profession for several months.
“SK Rapid wishes its deserving player a speedy and uncomplicated recovery and trusts in the responsible authorities that the hitherto unknown perpetrator will be brought to justice quickly.”
Burgstaller has played 203 times for the Austrian side, scoring 69 goals and adding 41 assists across two spells at the club.
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His second spell began in 2022 after he joined from St. Pauli.
Burgstaller also played for German clubs Schalke and Nuremberg and had a short spell with Cardiff in 2014.
He joined the Bluebirds straight after their relegation from the Premier League before departing in January 2015, having scored one goal in five games.
He was suspended for the club’s most recent league game against RB Salzburg, but did star in their midweek Europa League clash with Omonoia.
His last international cap came in a Euro 2024 qualifier against Azerbaijan in October 2023.
The club statement added: “We ask you to respect the privacy of Guido Burgstaller and his family.
“If there is any news in the next few days, SK Rapid will announce it in consultation with its medical department and Guido Burgstaller.
“SK Rapid will of course fully support Guido Burgstaller on his way to a complete and hopefully quick recovery.”
A statement from Schalke on social media said: “S04 is sickened by the news of the assault on Guido Burgstaller.
“Our thoughts are with you and we wish you all the best for a speedy recovery, Burgi.”
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FK Austria Wien said: “This news is shocking and affects us deeply.
“We wish Guido Burgstaller all the best and a full recovery!”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
