Footballer turns to fundraiser for knee operation

A non-league footballer is fundraising for his own operation after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).

Ange Djadja suffered the season-ending injury while playing for Braintree Town in August.

The 23-year-old defender estimated the cost of surgery and rehabilitation could top £10,000.

He said: "The quicker I get it done, the quicker I can return to doing what I do best - and that's playing football."

The fundraiser was set up by the National League South side and Djadja's agent, Tommy Dominguez.

"It was the worst case possible. I haven't just done my ACL - I've also done other parts in my knee as well," Djadja told BBC Essex's football phone-in show.

"It wasn't nice to hear because I never thought this would ever happen to me."

Djadja signed for the Iron in July, off the back of being named as Surrey side Merstham FC's player of the season.

"It's not what you want to hear, that your season is over three games in – especially when you had high hopes for the season," he added.

Braintree manager Steve Pitt said the injury was "such a shame".

"His career at the club had barely got started," he said of Djadja.

"I made it quite clear to him that with surgery being the way it is these days, there's every opportunity he will come back better and stronger."

Do you have a story suggestion for Essex? Contact us below.

Follow Essex news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.