They’ve treated the likes of Virgil van Dijk in the past
A former Premier League footballer is suing a world-renowned surgeon who specialises in knee injuries after claiming he was forced into early retirement due to ‘aggressive surgery.’
During an exclusive interview with the Daily Mail, the footballer, who preferred not to be named, revealed that knee specialist Andy Williams treated him after he suffered a lateral meniscus tear in his left knee.
Legal documents have since claimed that Williams caused a ‘big’ medial retinaculum rupture during the second operation – forcing the player into early retirement.
The player has said that he’s been left in pain and felt depressed as a result of having to retire, also claiming it has hindered his future career prospects.
Further more, he claimed that he tried to make a return to football in September 2017, but was unable to recover from the injury.
Williams, who has helped treat the likes of Virgil van Dijk and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain over the years, denied any wrongdoing – but does acknowledge the player suffered a new issue following his second operation.
The dispute has been ongoing since January 2017 and Barrington Atkins, a sports disputes lawyer at law firm Stewarts who are representing the player, said: “Unless parties reach an amicable settlement, the courts will need to consider the extent to which this player’s medical treatment was negligent.
“Losing a professional football career is devastating to any player and their family. We hope this case will continue to raise awareness for player welfare and the duty of care owed by medical practitioners to footballers.”
Tania Kahlon, solicitor at Bevan Brittan LLP and representative of Williams reiterated the surgeon’s stance that he denies any wrongdoing.
“Mr Williams strenuously denies the allegations made against him,” she said.
“Whilst the litigation between the parties is ongoing, it would be inappropriate for Mr Williams to comment further at this time.”
A trial is set to take place at the High Court at some point this year.
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