Lille midfielder Angel Gomes reassured fans on Sunday that his condition was improving after the serious head injury he sustained during his team’s 2-0 win over hosts Reims in the first round of the French Football League.
“It was a tough hit, but I feel better,” Gomez, 23, said in a video posted on Instagram.
“I thank our medical team and the hospital team for the work they did, and also the fans of both clubs for the support,” he added.
Gomis collapsed on the pitch in the 11th minute after clashing heads with Reims midfielder Amadou Kone, who was sent off shortly after for the violent challenge. He was quickly surrounded by players from both teams and Gomis was treated on the pitch for more than 25 minutes before being evacuated by firefighters to hospital, to the cheers of the Stade Auguste Dillon crowd.
Lille coach Bruno Genesio considered what Kone did as an “assault”.
“These are things we shouldn’t see on the pitch. There are mistakes that can be forgiven, but this one for me is unforgivable,” he said.