Dundee United’s Scott Severin has admitted Fabrice Muamba’s life-threatening collapse at the weekend put his own problems into perspective.
Severin, who had been battling back from a horrific triple leg break suffered while playing against St Mirren in August, was told earlier this month that his ankle which had been operated on four times previously was so badly damaged he would have to hang up his boots for good.
It was shattering news, but Severin admits his problems are nothing compared to those of 22-year-old Muamba who collapsed with a heart attack during Bolton’s FA Cup game against Spurs and is now fighting for his life in hospital.
The 33-year-old said: ”I found out a few weeks ago that I wouldn’t be able to play again. I went to London to see the consultant and, after looking at the scans, he told me I would have to give up.
”The damage to the ankle is too much and although he said they could operate again, the chances were I would break down pretty quickly.
”It took me a wee while to get used to it and I was upset but I’ve got over it now. And when you look at what has happened to the lad Fabrice Muamba at Bolton it shows there are people much worse off than yourself.
”I still have my health where he’s fighting for his life and I just hope he pulls through.”
Severin, who also played for Hearts, Aberdeen, Watford and Kilmarnock during a 13-year professional career, revealed that he had been in agony after each training session as he tried to work his way back to fitness.
It was fears over his long-term future and even being able to play in the park with his sons that convinced him he had no other option but to quit the game.
He said: ”One day I felt really good and the next I was terrible. I would get up and the swelling was huge so there was no point in continuing.
”I have to think about the long term and what things will be like years down the line. I want to be able to play football in the park with my kids, Flynn and Zack, and if I’d pushed this then I might not have been able to.
”I have had four operations on it and the damage is still as bad, so it’s time to give it up.
”I wanted to finish playing when I was either too old or no longer good enough but that decision has been taken out of my hands. It wasn’t the way I saw it ending I wanted to give up on my terms but there’s nothing we can do about that now.”
Severin is doing his coaching badges and Tannadice boss Peter Houston has allowed him help out with training over the last few weeks.
He said: ”I have been back in among the lads and the gaffer has been letting me help out with training to get some experience. I am doing my coaching badges and would like to stay in the game in some capacity.
”I have been in football for 13 years and played over 400 games. I would have liked to have played more but injuries prevented me from doing that.
”But I have a lot of happy memories from the clubs I played for and, of course, playing for my country as well. I have had a few messages saying good luck from people. It’s very nice to hear and I have to thank everyone.”