Zamora confirms England woe

Powerful forward played through the pain in Europa final

By James Riach   Last updated: 13th May 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

I told Fabio that I was struggling and I knew that, had I gone, I wouldn't have done myself or England justice

Bobby Zamora
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Fulham striker Bobby Zamora has confirmed that he turned down the chance to link up with England in Fabio Capello's preliminary 30-man World Cup squad.

Zamora has had a fantastic season for the Cottagers and was looking good for a Three Lions berth before suffering an Achilles injury last month.

The 29-year-old managed 54 minutes of Fulham's Europa League final against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday night before being replaced by Clint Dempsey.

He admits he was playing through the pain barrier during the 2-1 defeat, and admits he is putting country before self to reject joining up with England this summer.

"I told Fabio that I was struggling and I knew that, had I gone, I wouldn't have done myself or England justice," he said.

"It was a joint decision made by myself, Capello, our medical team and England's medical team.

"The World Cup's a massive tournament. It's not about myself, it's about England.

"Capello wished me all the best, hoped that I get fit and would be available next season. You could see last night (Wednesday) I was struggling to play.

"It's (the injury) one of those things, it's come at a bad time and the last five weeks have been terrible for me.

Blow

"It's been an up and down season because it's been so good on the pitch and I've scored some important goals. To now pick up this injury has kicked me in the teeth.

"It's come during the last couple of weeks and when there was the possibility of going to the World Cup with England.

"That's football, it's a cruel game. Just look at us losing this final in the last couple of minutes."

Fulham put in a brave performance in Hamburg but were technically outgunned by Atletico, although they did take the game right to the wire as Diego Forlan's winning strike came with just five minutes remaining.

Zamora admits he may not have been at his best because of his injury, but was determined to play some part despite the pain.

"I was struggling but I was desperate to play," he added. "It was touch and go for me to make the final but it's a major tournament and I've worked all season to get there so I wanted to play some part.

"I was disappointed to come off but it was the right decision to get some fresh legs on.

"I'm going to weigh everything up with the medical team now but it looks like I might need a minor operation.

"The decision will be made over the next day or two but the operation is pencilled in for a week's time."

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