Despite suffering a horrific broken leg which will knock him out of competition for months, Demba Ba has confirmed that his retirement is not in sight.
The 31-year-old Chinese Super League side player, during a match against Shanghai SIPG on Sunday, suffered a fracture on his left tibia after a tackle against the rival’s defender, Sun Xiang.
Demba Ba who spoke from his hospital bed in Shanghai to Radio Monet Carlo said: “This is a really bad injury but I know I can overcome it. I won’t call time on my career, that’s for sure.
“They haven’t done the full operation because I told them to wait. I wanted to go to Europe to have it done but when I learned that was not possible, I arranged with the doctor here to sort me out a French surgeon who should arrive shortly. He will operate on me.”
He added: “There are other players who have returned from similar injuries, like Hatem Ben Arfa,” he added. “Something similar happened to me earlier in my career and the treatment options are much better now. I think I’ll make a speedier return this time.
“The season here ends in November and the new one starts in March. I’ll do my best to return in time for the season after that.”