Yahaya Bello and Obafemi Martins may not be from the same part of the country, yet the pair shares something in common.
Almost a fortnight after Bello, Governor of Kogi State, attended a meeting at the State House, on crutches, Martins was aided by wheelchair to the airport.
The 33-year-old injured his hamstring in Shanghai’s 2-2 draw against Kashima Antlers in the Asian Champions League on Tuesday.
With the knock expected to rule him for around six months, Martins was pictured on a wheelchair en route to London to resume treatment.
“Taking into account the time and visa and other factors, after consultations with the players themselves, Martins will fly to London on BA169 at 11 am Beijing time this morning,” Shanghai Shenhua stated in a press release on Thursday.
”He will undergo knee surgery in London on Friday morning. Although Martins told the club that he did not want fans to bid him farewell in the morning, many fans of Shenhua had arrived at Pudong Airport after learning of the news.
”Prior to his departure, Martins hoped that the club would convey his gratitude to the fans.
”He would also do his best to cooperate with rehabilitation treatment and try to return to the pitch as soon as possible. We wish him a smooth operation!”.
