Florian Valot’s worst fears were realized when the New York Red Bulls midfielder announced on social media Tuesday that he suffered a torn right ACL Saturday against the San Jose Earthquakes.
The 26-year-old French midfielder crumpled to the ground, screaming in pain while grasping at his knee late in the first half of the club’s home opener.
Valot, who covered his anguished face with his jersey as he left the field and gingerly walked to the locker room, was worried he suffered yet another ACL injury. A year ago, Valot had a great preseason and a fast start to the 2018 season with three goals and five assists in 13 starts before needing surgery to repair a torn ACL in his left knee last July.
“I was right next to him and I’m 100% sure he had a really bad feeling because I just saw it on body language and the way he was yelling and I felt so bad,” Danny Royer said after the game. “I think he started crying and I think I almost started crying when I saw that because I know how tough it is to get back from a long-term injury and he was working so hard and doing so well like now when he came back. He’s really important to the team. That was a terrible moment. We don’t know anything now for sure, but I hope he’s good and it’s not too bad.”
There was hope that perhaps it wasn’t as bad as Valot initially thought, but he confirmed on social media, while vowing to come back stronger than ever.
“I went through it once I can do it again,” Valot said on Instagram. “I am thankful and blessed by all the support already received throughout the organization and beyond. Road to recovery starts now.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/BvM2_pnlaLj/?utm_source=ig_twitter_share&igshid=12he6c9aty10n