Guinea's star footballer Ousmane Bangoura has lost sight in his right eye after a violent clash with a Chinese player during a recent domestic soccer league match in Beijing, the state media reported on Wednesday.
Qingdao Zhongneng player Lu Gang ruptured Bangoura's right eye after his boot caught the Guinea international in his face in a Chinese Super League soccer match two weeks ago, Xinhua news agency reported.
Bangoura had the first operation in Shenyang before he was transferred to a Beijing-based hospital.
Doctors in Beijing confirmed on Tuesday afternoon that Bangoura had lost the eyesight in the right eye after the second surgery, effectively announcing the end to the 26-year-old midfielder's playing career, Chinese web portal sina.com reported.
Reports said Bangoura's wife was preparing to file a civil suit against Lu.
A repenting Lu says he would take any punishment and is ready to help Bangoura.
"I would like to say sorry to him for a million times. I dare not ask him to forgive me because I cannot forgive myself in the first place but I want to do something to redeem my mistake," Lu said.
"When my coach told me that Bangoura was badly injured and may lose his eye, it seemed that I was struck by a thunderbolt. My mind went blank," Lu recalled.
"I understand no matter what action she takes against me. And I will give financial compensation to Bangoura even if without court order," the 29-year-old midfielder said.
"Besides, I hope my teammates and Jinde players can help me organise a charity game for him," he added.
Bangoura joined Shenyang from Belgium's Charleroi in April after playing a leading role in Guinea's march to the quarter-finals of the African Nations Cup earlier this year.
His contract with Jinde will automatically end as compensation negotiation likely follows.
The match ended in a 2-2 draw. Lu received a yellow card for the accident.
