Hull City midfielder Ryan Mason says he feels lucky to be alive after fracturing his skull during a Premier League defeat to Chelsea.
The 25-year-old clashed heads with Gary Cahill after 13 minutes of the match at Stamford Bridge and was taken to St. Mary's hospital for surgery.
Players from Hull, Chelsea and former club Tottenham, as well as supporters from across England, have sent well-wishes to the player, who was discharged from hospital on Monday.
Mason has now issued a statement via his official Twitter account in which he admits to feeling "completely overwhelmed" by the support following his ordeal.
"I would like to thank everyone for the overwhelming support that has been shown to both me and my entire family over the past week or so," he said.
"It has been an emotional rollercoaster and I feel lucky to be alive, but I'm happy to say that I'm now at home resting and recovering.
"My fiance and family have read so many messages of support to me over the past week. To have had so many people send messages to me, including from fellow players, clubs (in particular the support shown to me from both Hull City and Tottenham Hotspur), so many fans as well as the support I have received from the general public around the world has been completely overwhelming.
"Each and every message of support really has given me strength and I cannot tell you how much it means to me.
"The love and support my Mum, Dad, sisters, fiance Rachel and all of my friends and family have shown to me during what has been an extremely traumatic time for all involved has been incredible and I want to thank them from the bottom of my heart for being there for me.
"Finally, I would like to say a special thank you too to all of the medical staff at Hull, as well as the medical team at Chelsea and of course the fantastic treatment and support I have received from all of the staff during my stay at St. Mary's hospital.
"I will now be taking each day as it comes and concentrating on my recovery."
