Former Chelsea player Yann Gueho is still in the intensive care unit following a traumatic stabbing incident in Paris. The ex-Londoner went through a very tough time with his health in the first half of the month and his situation has left the French football community in utter disbelief.
Violent Incident Shakes Paris Suburb
During the night of 9 to 10th of November, Gueho was attacked in Choisy-le-Roi. In the company of a friend, he was hit several times. Due to the severity of his state, he was flown to the intensive care unit right away. The police apprehended a man not long after the incident.
The District Attorney’s Office indicted him on the counts of attempted murder and violent involvement of a gang. Additionally, a female acquaintance of the accused was charged in connection with the attack. On 12th of November, an inquiry into this matter was initialized.
A Talent Cut Short By Struggles
During these years, from 2009 to 2011, Gueho was a shining light in the Chelsea youth academy. After that, he was transferred to Lille and Nantes, but he didn’t have the chance to make his professional debut in football. A bipolar disorder diagnosis led him to retire at 22 years of age. His mother disclosed that he was going through a heavy treatment process and it was taking his physical strength away. She said that the situation made him very weak.
Author’s View
The situation is a clear demonstration of how struggles with mental health can increase the risk factor of a person’s life. Yet, Gueho was the one who needed to be shielded and given enhanced assistance because of his delicate state. The tragic arc of his experience is a vivid example of how a bright future can dissipate in no time if there is no follow-up care. There should be a stronger commitment from football to the aftercare of ex-academy players, particularly those who have to deal with severe health issues.
As featured on Chelseanews.com