Tuesday 31 January 2017 18:39, UK
Ryan Mason has paid tribute to Hull, Tottenham and Chelsea following his release from hospital after fracturing his skull at Stamford Bridge.
The 25-year-old midfielder suffered the injury when he clashed heads with Chelsea defender Gary Cahill in the first half of Hull's 2-0 defeat on January 22, but was allowed to leave St Mary's hospital in London on Monday following surgery.
Mason was visited by players and staff from Hull, former club Tottenham, and Chelsea, and the player - who is now at home recovering - has spoken out for the first time since suffering the injury to issue his thanks.
"It has been an emotional rollercoaster and I feel lucky to be alive, but I'm happy to say that I'm now at home resting and recovering," he said in a statement on social media.
"To have had so many people send messages to me, including from fellow players, clubs (in particular the support shown to me from both Hull City and Tottenham Hotspur), so many fans as well as the support I have received from the general public around the world has been completely overwhelming."
Mason also paid special tribute to his family and fiance Rachel for helping him through an "extremely traumatic time", while highlighting the quick response from medical teams when the incident took place.
He added: "I would like to say a special thank you too to all of the medical staff at Hull, as well as the medical team at Chelsea and of course the fantastic treatment and support I have received from all of the staff during my stay at St. Mary's hospital.
"I will now be taking each day as it comes and concentrating on my recovery."
