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14th Jan 2022

James Rodriguez thanked for saving life of opponent in Qatari league match

Callum Boyle

James Rodriguez helped to save the life of Ousmane Coulibaly after he suffered a cardiac arrest last Sunday

Ousmane Coulibaly has taken to social media to thank James Rodriguez for the part he played in helping to save the ex-Mali International’s life.

Coulibaly suffered a cardiac arrest during the game between Al-Rayyan and Al-Wakrah in Qatar last Sunday, with Rodriguez on hand to help adjust the head of the 32-year-old to enable him to breathe properly before medics arrived on hand.

The defender is now recovering in hospital and is in a stable condition thanks to the work of the former Everton and Real Madrid midfielder, who he thanked in a post on social media.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CYrSeQkKUA-/

On his Instagram, Coulibaly said: “On January 9 2022, I suffered a cardiac arrest on the pitch just before end of the first-half.

“Many teams of people helped to revive me straight away after my collapse. Thanks to God and the work of those heroes, I was saved.

“Thanks to James Rodriguez who made the first move to adjust my head. Also to [Al-Wakkrah teammate] Saoud Al-Khater who quickly signalled the medical team on.”

The game was abandoned as a result of the incident, with both teams agreeing that the game should be replayed at a later date.

Taking place a day later on, Monday 10 January, Al-Rayyan emerged as 3-0 winners, with Colombia international Rodriguez scoring two of those goals.

Before the game, the medical staff who helped Coulibaly, were given a guard of honour by both teams and members of staff from the Qatari Sports League as a token of appreciation.

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