A proper homage to Salvador Cabanas

Salvador Cabanas, arguably Paraguay’s most influential national team player, was shot in the head in Mexico City last month and was given only around a 20% chance of survival. He has now recovered consciousness and is able to speak and move his limbs, although his doctor, Ernesto Martinez, has said he is suffering from amnesia.

Dionisio Cabanas, Salvador’s father, has now revealed the player has announced his intention to recover in time for this summer’s World Cup in South Africa.

“When we were in the room, he said, ‘Dad, I will play the World Cup’,” he told Ultima Hora.

Neurosurgeon Celso Fretes, in Mexico at the request of the Paraguayan football federation, believes that Cabanas has a genuine chance of featuring in the tournament.

“He has to be included in the squad for the World Cup and they will give him the chance to recover in the next few months,” he said.

Masses of fans throughout Mexico and Paraguay have prayed for Mr. Cabanas, so I don’t think I’m the only one who wants to this guy score a bucket of goals in South Africa.