Panic Over Cudicini Motorbike Crash

It seems that the Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper, Carlo Cudicini, has been involved in a serious crash this morning after hitting a car whilst riding his BMW motorbike. It’s been confirmed that Cudicini has fractured both wrists and sustained serious pelvic injuries according to a statement by London’s Metropolitan Police.

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: “London Ambulance Service, HEMS [helicopter emergency medical service] and police attended and discovered the 36-year-old male motorcyclist suffering from injuries described by LAS as possibly life-changing and has been taken to an east London hospital for further assessment and treatment.”

Thankfully the driver and passenger of the car involved in the crash didn’t need medical assistance, but the extent of Cudicini’s injuries are yet to be ascertained. With most road traffic accidents, the time waiting between the initial diagnoses and the results of the x-rays and tests over the the next few hours can change. Yet the term “possibly life changing” is a strange and worrying term to be included in a statement.

It’s unusual for a detail like that to be released, I can’t think of another incident recently that would have included such language and already social networking sites are buzzing with the news and wishing Carlo a speedy and healthy recovery regardless of what team they support.

Cudicini has been a firm favourite for both Chelsea and since he joined Tottenham in January this year and has constantly given 100% wherever he has played. Only ousted at Chelsea by the arrival of Petr Cech, who was at that point the worlds best goalkeeper, that saw his run as Chelsea’s number one come to an end. Signed by Gianluca Vialli in 1999 for the bargain price of £160,000, Cudicini saw off Mark Bosnich to make the number one jersey his own at Stamford Bridge.

He even won the player of the year award in the 2001-02 season as Chelsea struggled to maintain a consistent level of performance, but as the side grew, Cudicini continued to grow as a player. In fact, when Chelsea stood on the threshold of the Champions League final, it was his absence in the semi-final against Monaco in 2004 that probably cost the Blues the chance to face to Porto.

He continued to deputise for Cech at Chelsea and  give 100% when the opportunity arose to play. One of his most notable appearances under Mourinho was during the infamous game at Reading’s Madjeski Stadium in October 2006. After replacing Cech, injured by Steven Hunt’s wayward knee in the first minute, Cudicini was also carried off unconscious after a disgraceful challenge by Ibrahim Sonko and John Terry ended up going in goal for the last few minutes.

He’s certainly continued to impress be it at Chelsea or at Tottenham. where he has continued to put pressure on Heurelho Gomes, probably bring the best out of the Brazilian who is now showing his form that earned him his transfer to Tottenham in the summer of 2008. When he’s had the opportunity to play, he’s given his all.

I’m sure all football fans will wish Cudicini a swift and speedy recovery and be thankful that his injuries are not more serious.