Crash Near the Irwell River
The crash happened around 8:45 AM local time. According to eyewitnesses, the footballer’s luxury vehicle lost control on a slick stretch of road and veered off-course before crashing near the riverbank.
Emergency services responded within minutes. Greater Manchester Police confirmed that the car had sustained heavy damage after colliding with a roadside barrier and sliding down a grassy embankment near the Irwell River.
“He was lucky the car didn’t go into the river,” said one witness, Rachel Turner, who was walking nearby. “There was a loud screech and then a huge crash. People ran over immediately and called the police.”
Police Statement and Medical Response
In a short public statement, Greater Manchester Police said:
“Officers were called to a single-vehicle road traffic incident near the Irwell River this morning. One male, believed to be in his 20s, was found at the scene with injuries and taken to a nearby hospital. His condition is currently being assessed.”
Paramedics on the scene confirmed the footballer was conscious but visibly shaken. He was placed on a stretcher and taken to the Manchester Royal Infirmary for further evaluation. Unconfirmed reports suggest he suffered minor head trauma and bruising but is in stable condition.
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Real Madrid Responds
Real Madrid released an official statement within hours of the crash:
“We can confirm that one of our players was involved in a car accident in Manchester this morning. We are in close contact with his family and local authorities. At this time, we ask for discretion and respect for his privacy as he undergoes medical evaluation.”
The player’s name has not been officially released, though sources close to the club and local authorities suggest he is a first-team member currently on holiday or visiting friends during the off-season.
Why He Was in Manchester
The reason for his presence in Manchester remains unclear, though speculation suggests he may have been in town for personal reasons or private meetings. With La Liga’s new season set to begin in August, many players are using July to travel or rest before returning to pre-season training.
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His visit to Manchester has led to increased attention from fans, some of whom gathered outside the hospital hoping for positive news.
Reactions from the Football World
News of the crash spread quickly across social media, prompting messages of support from fans, fellow players, and football clubs around the world.
“Praying for a quick recovery. Stay strong, champ,” tweeted a Real Madrid teammate.
Manchester United’s official account posted: “Wishing a full and fast recovery to the player involved in today’s incident. Our thoughts are with him.”
Even rival fans expressed concern, with one commenting: “No matter who you support, you never want to hear news like this. Hope he’s okay.”
Ongoing Investigation
Police say a full investigation into the crash is underway. Early indications suggest that the driver was not under the influence, and weather conditions — including light morning rain — may have contributed to the loss of control.
There is no evidence of involvement from another vehicle, and authorities are currently reviewing CCTV footage and examining the crash site for clues.
“We’ll continue to look into the cause,” said a police spokesperson. “At this time, it appears to have been an isolated road traffic incident.”
A Wake-Up Call for Road Safety
This accident serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers of driving, even for those accustomed to fast-paced lifestyles and high-performance vehicles. Road safety experts have called on young athletes and high-profile individuals to remain cautious, particularly when driving in unfamiliar conditions.
As for the Real Madrid star, millions now wait for more updates, hoping that his injuries are minor and his recovery is swift.
