Story By: Alex Cope, Sub Editor: Joseph Golder, Agency: Golder’s News And Sport
This professional footballer has lost the sight in one of his eyes after being shot in the face.
Alexis Salinas, 22, who plays for Argentine club Arsenal de Sarandi, was reportedly shot in the face “with a gun similar to a shotgun” in the Laferrere area of the Argentine capital Buenos Aires.
Local media report the defender, was with friends when the incident occurred and the club described it as an “incident of insecurity”.
The team released a statement reading: “Alexis Salina, footballer of our institution, suffered the loss of vision in one of his eyes due to the buckshot which impacted with his face in an incident of insecurity. #ArsenalFutbolClub is in permanent contact with Alexis and sends strength to his family.”
Local media report the defender’s other eye was also damaged in the incident. He has been released from hospital but will require further treatment, according to reports.
Some of his friends were reportedly injured in the incident but there is no update on their condition.
He had recently signed for Arsenal after moving from Argentinos Juniors, where he spent his youth career.
A post has been shared on social media suggesting the footballer needs funds raising for private treatment to not lose his eye. The post reads: “The state cannot do anything more with the problem Alexis has and they are going to transfer him to a private clinic. He needs financial aid so that they can operate on him.
“Please help us to help with the minimum you can. We’ll help his family so that Alexis can keep moving on.”
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