July 14 – The Ajax midfielder Abdelhak Nouri, who collapsed during a recent pre-season friendly, has suffered serious and permanent brain damage, the club have announced.
Nouri was airlifted to hospital after collapsing with around 20 minutes remaining against Werder Bremen in the Austrian Alps last weekend after suffering heart rhythm problems.
He was put into an induced coma and although initial tests showed his heart was functioning normally, further tests tragically revealed brain damage from which he will not recover.
“Ajax are deeply saddened by the news that Appie Nouri has been diagnosed with serious and permanent brain damage,” the club said. “The diagnosis was made that a lot of [his] brain is not functioning. All this probably occurred due to a lack of oxygen supply.”
Chief executive Edwin van der Sar told the club’s website: “This is the worst possible news. It’s terrible. We feel enormously for his parents, siblings and other relatives.
“The blow is also hard for Ajax, although we knew we might have to consider this scenario. These have been uncertain days, and lots of people in different way have sympathised with his situation. That is greatly appreciated.
“Abdelhak has such great talent, but unfortunately we will never know how far his star would have reached if this had not happened to him.”
Nouri made 15 appearances for Ajax’s first team last season, including three in the Europa League.
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