Mainz midfielder Elkin Soto suffered a sickening knee injury during their Bundesliga match against HSV on Sunday. Though there is never a good time for a career threatening injury, this comes at an especially bad moment for the 34-year-old, since he will be out of contract at the end of the season and planned on returning to his native Colombia to finish his career.
Even though he planned to leave, Mainz have quickly made a tremendous gesture to support a player who has served the club for eight years by offering him a new one-year contract.
Here’s video of the injury (warning: floppy leg)…
From the Guardian:
Immediately after the match, the Mainz director of football Christian Heidel said the club planned to offer the 34-year-old midfielder a one-year contract extension. Soto has spent eight years at Mainz after joining them from Ecuador’s Barcelona Sporting Club.
“Initially he wanted to return at the end of the season to his home country,” said the club. “But from Mainz this deserving professional can expect full backing. Before the prospect for a new contract can become reality it is all about Soto’s recovery.”
“As soon as his operation is done, he could sign a new contract with us, immediately,” added Heidel.
When Soto came out of his surgery on Monday, he posted a photo of himself on Instagram and thanked everyone for their support.
Hopefully he can make a speedy recovery, but even if he can’t, it’s nice to know that Mainz have his back. (And his knee.)
Great story!
Mike Ashley should take note of this.