In this day and age, footballers are known for making the very most of the slightest bit of physical contact with an opponent in a bid to get them in a spot of bother with the referee.
Mentioning no names, of course…
Victor Valdes however, is attempting to singlehandedly destroy such embarrassing stereotypes. The former Barcelona goalkeeper was between the sticks for Middlesbrough on Saturday afternoon as they attempted to keep Manchester City – fresh from rolling over his former club in midweek – at bay.
With five minutes to go to the break, with the Boro defence still standing firm at the Etihad, Valdes’ thigh was on the wrong end of an accidental studs-up challenge from Jesus Navas.
We can’t show you the footage, but this still image gives you the idea…
The collision certainly left it’s mark on the 34-year-old’s leg, with cameras picking up this nasty looking gash a moment later.
Surely then, this would pose a problem for Aitor Karanka, who would be forced to throw on another goalkeeper before half-time?
Actually, no. Whilst most of us would have cried out for our mums, the Spaniard decided he was going to play on. Hard as nails…
A nasty gash for Valdes who's been superb for @Boro at @ManCity . He's carrying on of course. pic.twitter.com/jgOX4Q1ycC
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) November 5, 2016
Hats off to you, Victor.
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