Thursday 1 December 2016 22:50, UK
Crystal Palace defender Pape Souare says he does not know if he will ever play football again after being involved in a car crash in September.
The 26-year-old broke his jaw and thigh bone and was airlifted to hospital after being involved in a two-way crash in his Mercedes on the M4 near Heathrow Airport, with Palace boss Alan Pardew saying at the time that the left-back could be out for six months.
Souare said that he feels fortunate to be alive following the accident but has admitted that he does not know if he will make a full recovery and return to football.
"Sometimes I think I was very lucky because it was crazy and it could have been worse for my career or my life," he told the BBC World Service. "I want to thank God for everything and I keep moving and working hard to get back in football and try to keep it going.
"To be honest, until now I don't know about my injury and I don't know if I can get back to football or not.
"The injury was very bad and I know I was very lucky. That is life and something happens like that, it could have been worse. My leg broke and with my jaw, I couldn't eat for the first month - now I can eat.
"The leg is getting there and I am trying to do the work to make it stronger with the physio at the club."
The Senegalese defender paid tribute to those who helped him on the day of the accident and thanked Palace and the club's fans for their messages of support.
"I remember everything about the accident," he said. "I remember the helicopter coming and getting me and I remember the door on my leg and the guy who was talking to me - I said to stay in touch with him because he helped me a lot. I remember they got the roof off and I remember everything.
"I received all the support from the fans - they helped me a lot and make me believe [in] myself. When I heard them singing 'there's only one Pape Souare' that made me believe [in] myself and all the support they have given me, I am very happy for that.
"I trust in God and his prophet and I am putting everything I have got in the hands of God. All my family and fans are praying for me and I am happy for that."
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