DOHA: Aspetar is fast becoming a magnet for elite footballers as the FIFA World Cup 2014, currently taking place in Brazil, features 20 stars from 9 nations who have visited the sports medicine hospital for treatment and consultations.
Aspetar is not only providing first-class services to the Algerian and Ivorian teams throughout the World Cup 2014, but also to other players.
World Cup 2014 stars to have visited Aspetar include the Brazilian striker ‘Hulk’, who underwent intensive tests during a training camp at Aspire Zone with Russian club Zenit St. Petersburg early this year.
French star Blaise Matuidi received treatment at Aspetar during winter camp training with his club Paris St. Germain last year.
Compatriot Bacary Sagna also visited Aspetar to undergo a rehabilitation programme after a knee surgical operation in June 2012. Since then, he has shone with both his club Arsenal and the French national team, with his splendid recent form earning him a transfer to English Premier League champions Manchester City. Three players from Qatar Stars League, who received routine check-ups at Aspetar through the National Sports Medicine Program, are also participating at the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil.
Algeria and Lekhwiya captain Madjid Bougherra, Al Ahli’s Pejman Muntazeri from Iran, and Australian Mark Bresciano, who plays at Al Gharrafa have all benefitted from Aspetar.
Australian attacking midfielder Tim Cahill, who scored his country’s only goal in their opening World Cup match against Chile last Friday, has also visited Aspetar.
His first stay was during the finals of Asia Cup in January 2011 while playing with the national team, and his second visit came in 2012 while playing with English side Everton.
At the time, Cahill said: “Aspetar provides everything I need, and I believe this will help me in my football career so that I can play better for the longest period possible.” Russian striker Aleksandr Kerzhakov, who visited Aspetar in March 2011, is also participating.
Three Japanese stars currently playing at the World Cup have also visited Aspetar including Shinji Okasaki, Gotoku Sakai, and Shinji Kagawa of Manchester United.
In line with agreements signed by Aspetar and the Ivorian Football Federation, five Ivorian footballers underwent treatment and rehabilitation.
Yaya Toure also received treatment at Aspetar. “This is the first time I have ever seen a hospital like this. Even in Europe they don’t have anything similar,” he said. Compatriots Sol Bamba and Mathis Bolly also visited the facility. THE PENINSULA
