He recounted the harrowing incident in court
Brentford striker Yoane Wissa has spoken in court after allegedly being the victim of an acid attack.
Wissa has scored 11 goals in the Premier League this season, as he finds himself in the form of his life. However, his life could have been changed forever in July 2021.
A 36-year-old woman, identified as Laetita P, is currently on trial in France for allegedly attacking Wissa at his home, just days before his £8.5 million transfer from Lorient to the Bees.
The defendant also faces accusations of attempting to kidnap Wissa’s infant daughter and abducting another woman’s baby the day after.
Should she be found guilty, she could face up to 30 years in prison.
At the court in Vannes, Brittany, Wissa, who has been linked with a move to Nottingham Forest, emotionally recalled the terrifying incident this week.
According to The Sun, the 28-year-old said: “I opened a door, and had liquid thrown in my face. I screamed and could not breathe.
“My wife called the emergency services, and they told me to get under the shower to rinse my eyes.
“At the hospital they told me my eyes were burned. Someone had to come and rinse them out every hour.
“It has been a nightmare. Since then I panic every time I hear a noise, and the only thing that kept me going was knowing my children are safe.
“I had surgery on both eyes, and the doctor told me I will need to use eye drops for the rest of my life.
“It took me six months before I fully got my sight back. Had I not been treated so quickly, the consequences would have been far worse.”
The forward spoke about the lasting impact the incident had on him and his family.
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He continued: “The days afterwards were traumatic for me. I know I will never feel the same as I used to.
“I recognised the accused woman straight away. She was wearing sunglasses even though it was 11pm.
“I want justice. Why has this happened to me? My wife and I will suffer the after-effects for the rest of our lives.
“My kids often ask me what I have done to my face, but they are too young for me to tell them what happened.”
He went on to tell the court that both he and his wife now have to see a psychologist.
It also had a big impact on his career as he explained: “This hugely delayed my move to Brentford. I missed their pre-season, and when I arrived the manager [Thomas Frank] said he had already drawn up his first team.
“He sympathised with me, and gave me time to adapt – but I got injured quickly as I wasn’t feeling great.
“After the attack I reacted like a father more than a footballer, and told myself at least my kids are unharmed even though I am blind.”
The trial continues.
