Arsenal's physio played a crucial role in saving John Terry from a near two-day slumber, as he recounts the harrowing experience of a severe head kick inflicted by Abou Diaby during the 2007 League Cup Final.
John Terry's Serious Head Injury During the 2007 League Cup Final
In a dramatic turn of events during the 2007 League Cup final, Chelsea's John Terry suffered a serious head injury after a collision with Arsenal's Abou Diaby. The incident occurred around the 60th minute of the game, which ended in a 2-1 win for Chelsea.
Terry was knocked unconscious immediately after the collision, and he remained unconscious for a few minutes before being taken off the pitch. He did not fully recall the incident afterward. Arsenal's physio, Gary Lewin, who was near the pitch and knew Terry well from England duties, quickly attended to him. Lewin's swift action is credited with helping save Terry's life by recognising the severity of the injury.
After the injury, Terry was transported to the hospital in full kit. Despite the medical advice, Terry defied the odds and checked himself out of the hospital after the game, hailing a taxi to return to the stadium to celebrate the victory with his team. He was replaced by Jon Obi Mikel during the game but managed to return to the field later to celebrate the win.
Terry's recovery process involved being unconscious for a prolonged period and subsequent medical attention on the field. Although the injury was frightening and had potential for serious consequences, Terry recovered well enough to continue playing, showing his resilience and toughness throughout his career. There are no detailed public reports of long-term effects from this particular head injury, indicating that his recovery allowed him to return to top-level football relatively quickly.
In the aftermath of the incident, the Chelsea doctor visited Terry at his home a couple of times. Terry does not recall the bad-tempered climax of the game, but he was ranked at no.4 in a website's list of the 20 best Premier League defenders of all-time, testament to his talent and the impact he had on the game.
This incident serves as a reminder of the risks involved in professional football and the importance of quick and effective medical intervention in such situations. Despite the seriousness of the injury, Terry's story is one of resilience and determination, embodying the spirit of a true football legend.
[1] BBC News, 2007, John Terry head injury: Arsenal physio Gary Lewin saves Chelsea defender's life, https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/50747336
[3] The Guardian, 2007, John Terry: 'I was out for two days', https://www.theguardian.com/football/2007/feb/27/newsstory.sport13
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