World Cup 2014: Luis Suarez physio halted cancer treatment to see striker score twice against England
The Liverpool striker made a bee line for Walter Ferreira after last night's Group D victory
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.It has emerged that the man behind Luis Suarez's incredible recovery from injury suspended his own cancer treatment in order to see his patient score twice in Uruguay's World Cup win over England.
Walter Ferreira, who has been working one-on-one with Suarez following the Liverpool striker's knee surgery, put his own treatment on hold in order to travel to Brazil to get him ready for the World Cup.
Last night he was rewarded in the best possible way when just four weeks after Suarez underwent knee surgery he started against England and scored both goals for Uruguay in a 2-1 win.
Suarez immediately went to Ferreira after the match to celebrate, clearly appreciating the sacrifice the physio has made for the benefit of the national team.
Ferreira has been equally impressed with Suarez's work ethic in his bid to return to fitness.
"He deserves it, he worked hard to be here today. I couldn’t go to the (training) resort, so he would come to my house. He gave it all, his wife, his family, I’m truly grateful," said Ferreira.
Ferreira's work has not gone unnoticed in Uruguay and today he is being hailed as highly as the striker who all-but ended England's World Cup dream.
On the adulation he is receiving, Ferreira said: "I have no words, life has some ups and downs but you have to keep fighting. I’m very grateful. I’m going to keep fighting.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments