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Fulham striker Bobby Zamora reveals England World Cup 2010 anguish
Striker's injury keeps him off plane to South Africa...
13 May 2010 08:44:00
By Zack Wilson
Fulham striker Bobby Zamora has admitted that being forced out of contention for England's squad for this summer's World Cup in South Africa was hard to take.
The Cottagers' star had been informed that he was to be named in Fabio Capello's provisional 30-man squad, named earlier this week, with his debut pencilled in for the game against Mexico on May 24.
However, an ongoing ankle injury that looks as though it will require surgery meant that Zamora was forced to set his personal ambition to one side as he felt that he would not be able to contribute fully to the cause.
"I told Fabio that I was struggling and I knew that, had I gone, I wouldn't have done myself or England justice," the striker told reporters after Wednesday evening's Europa League final defeat to Atletico Madrid in Hamburg.
"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 I was struggling to play.
"It's one of those things, it's come at a bad time and the last five weeks have been terrible for me.
"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."
Zamora was fit enough to manage 55 minutes of the final against Atletico, which the Cottagers lost 2-1 after extra-time.
He admits that even playing that amount of time was a real effort and he expects to undergo surgery soon.
"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."
No trip to South Africa is complete without a visit to its most beautiful and sunniest city. Durban offers much more than sandy beaches, safaris, casinos and the World Cup, for information on what to do and see, please click here.
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The Cottagers' star had been informed that he was to be named in Fabio Capello's provisional 30-man squad, named earlier this week, with his debut pencilled in for the game against Mexico on May 24.
However, an ongoing ankle injury that looks as though it will require surgery meant that Zamora was forced to set his personal ambition to one side as he felt that he would not be able to contribute fully to the cause.
"I told Fabio that I was struggling and I knew that, had I gone, I wouldn't have done myself or England justice," the striker told reporters after Wednesday evening's Europa League final defeat to Atletico Madrid in Hamburg.
"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 I was struggling to play.
"It's one of those things, it's come at a bad time and the last five weeks have been terrible for me.
"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."
Zamora was fit enough to manage 55 minutes of the final against Atletico, which the Cottagers lost 2-1 after extra-time.
He admits that even playing that amount of time was a real effort and he expects to undergo surgery soon.
"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."
No trip to South Africa is complete without a visit to its most beautiful and sunniest city. Durban offers much more than sandy beaches, safaris, casinos and the World Cup, for information on what to do and see, please click here.
Become a fan of Goal.com UK's Facebook fan page for all the latest news and insight into everything related to the beautiful game!
| Sign up with 188BET for a FREE bet up to £25 – Great Prices, Every Game |
|
| Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
|
| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
| Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
|
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