Former Chelsea and England star Rob Green has spoken openly about the horrific hand injury he suffered as a player and jokingly warned youngsters to follow in his footsteps.
Green has made more than appearances in his time playing for Norwich, West Ham, QPR and Leeds. He has also been called up to the England squad and started the 2010 World Cup as the Three Lions’ first team between the sticks.
Although he was able to remain virtually trouble-free as a player, his time as a goalkeeper left him with a serious injury to his little finger. The most sensitive part of the finger has been bent almost horizontally, and Green is now speaking out on the matter.
“One of the stories of purpose, don’t be a purpose, kids. After betting on purpose for a long time, he got injured, dislocated, damaged himself several times and started to die slowly,” the former Chelsea star told Prime TV Sport.
“Then he basically gave up, and it was when I started to dive to my right and it started getting stuck on the ground while I was diving that I thought, ‘Yeah, maybe be careful. ‘
“The glove makers, very kindly, made me a kind of paddle-shaped hand, which had the two main hands and then a larger finger that I could glue in combination and keep it straight.
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“So for the last ten years of my career or so I had a finger brace within my gloves to help me survive through the games really. But yeah, it’s kind of stayed that way ever since and now it’s a nice icebreaker for conversations and stuff like that.”
Green finished his career at Chelsea, where he served as a third goalkeeper. Although he never played for Les Bleus, he was part of the team that won the 2019 Europa League, allowing him to finish his career on a high note.
“Being part of the team and celebrating with such a special team of players after winning the Europa League is a fitting way to end what has been an adventure for me in the game,” he said at the time.
“I enjoyed every moment and I feel privileged to have enjoyed my career. I’ve played and opposed some of the most productive players in the world and experienced all that professional football has to offer.
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“I’ve had the joy of representing some fantastic clubs, all of whom have helped shape me in their own way. Thank you to all the fans. Representing my country will be one of the proudest and most honored accomplishments I will be proud of. Have played for England.
“Thank you to all the managers, coaches and staff I’ve worked with and thank you to all the teammates I’ve shared a dressing room with over the years. Collectively, we shared amazing moments and left the game with memories I will cherish. “
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