Tony Bellew has provided an update on his recovery following surgery to repair the Achilles injury he sustained during Soccer Aid on June 15.
The former boxer required an operation after suffering the injury just five minutes into the charity match at Old Trafford.
The 42-year-old Evertonian has acknowledged the challenging road ahead but remains determined to overcome the setback.
Taking to social media, Bellew confirmed the surgery on his Achilles was successful and he has begun the recovery process.
Tony Bellew suffered the injury just five minutes into the game at Old Trafford
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The injury occurred during a non-contact incident that forced him to hobble off the pitch in visible distress.
In a post on Instagram, Bellew wrote: "Op done! My Achilles is back together. I'm now back in the pain game, I'm under no illusion this is gonna be really hard to come back from but I refuse to give in!
"The greater the setback the better the comeback!"
JUST IN: BBC spokesman forced to defend controversial Wimbledon decision days after Emma Raducanu snubSpeaking on TalkSport, Bellew revealed the severity of the incident: "There were 60,000 people inside Old Trafford on Sunday and I heard the snap.
"I thought someone had shot me, I genuinely looked behind me and thought someone had shot me."
Commentator Sam Matterface reported that Bellew had told them "something went bang and I heard it go."
Celebrity friends and fellow Soccer Aid participants have rallied around Bellew with messages of support.
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Sam Thompson, who formed a close friendship with Bellew during their 2023 I'm A Celebrity stint, commented: "Love you so much mate."
Strictly Come Dancing professional Gorka Marquez, who replaced Bellew in the match, wrote: "Get well soon mate! I am sure next year you will be back on that pitch."
Tottenham footballer James Maddison shared: "Rest up champ."
Former SAS: Who Dares Wins star Ant Middleton posted: "Speedy recovery brother," whilst former Hollyoaks actress Nikki Sanderson added: "Get well soon! Sending love."
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The former boxer already had his knee strapped up, but it was his Achilles that caused the injury
Getty
Despite the setback, Bellew has expressed his determination to return for next year's Soccer Aid.
He stated: "My plan is to be ready for next year to go again back at Soccer Aid."
The retired boxer, who hung up his gloves following his defeat to Oleksandr Usyk in 2018, praised the charity's work.
"Long road back and the pain is real but I wouldn't change anything! There is no better cause than @UNICEF_uk imo," he added.
He also thanked ITV and Soccer Aid staff: "Thank you to @itv for taking care of me and prioritising my treatment and recovery. They've been amazing, they really have!"
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