Alejandro Martinuccio's years of aggravating injuries have given him something to be grateful for today — his life.
The 28-year-old forward for Brazil's Chapecoense soccer club had been sidelined due to leg trouble, and wasn't able to play in the scheduled match in Colombia, considered the biggest in team history.
But the injury also saved him from the plane crash carrying the rest of his team, killing 75 of the 81 people aboard. Three of his teammates survived the crash.
Daytime footage shows devastation at crash site0:59
Stunned by the news, the Argentinean urged the public pray for his teammates.
English translation below: Pray for my companions please
Recen por mis compañeros por favor 🙏
— @FMartinuccio
Plagued by injury
With 32 career goals to date, Martinuccio began his professional career in the Argentine football league system in 2008. Despite a strong first few seasons, the midfielder had been troubled with injuries and was bumped around to several organizations.
Martinuccio continued to struggle with injuries while playing for the Brazilian club Coritiba throughout his 2014 season.
The attacker underwent operations on two tibias, which kept him out for another four months and underwent knee surgery in early 2014. He also suffered from two other foot and thigh injuries, and before this year had not played professionally since November 2014.
Out the entire 2015 season, Martinuccio underwent treatment due to tibial wear in which 30-centimetre metal rods weighing over 900 grams were placed below both his knees. The rods were removed in July of last year.
#MercadoAXEM Tras exámenes físicos, Alejandro Martinuccio nuevo jugador de @ChapecoenseReal. https://t.co/tbJGaGUBmP http://pic.twitter.com/nNKaSlLw8i
— @AXEMOficial
Despite his physical challenges, Chapecoense decided to take a chance on him and he was signed on April 30. His season was off to a decent start, playing in 10 games and starting in two.
But he did not receive medical clearance to travel with the team to Colombia due to an injury that reportedly occurred more than a month ago. That injury has turned out to be a blessing in disguise.
Injury saves player from plane crash carrying Brazilian soccer team
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