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A Spurs goalkeeper who broke both his wrists in a motorcycle crash may not be compensated by the club for his injuries, it emerged today.
It is feared that Carlo Cudicini, who also injured his pelvis in yesterday's collision, may never play football again. It is understood he is not insured against motorcycle accidents.
Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp said last night: "I didn't know he had a motorbike - clubs certainly don't encourage players to have them. But now isn't the time for that. We just wish him a quick recovery.
"I'm just thankful he hasn't broken his back, his neck or is dead. I'm just relieved really."
The 36-year-old Italian was going to Tottenham's training ground on his £11,000 BMW R1200 GS when he collided with a Ford Fiesta in Walthamstow. The car driver, said to be Jennifer Bernard, 25, was shocked but unhurt. She was travelling with her child.
Cudicini, who earns £40,000 per week, was taken to Whipps Cross Hospital then transferred to a private hospital after scans under the supervision of Tottenham medical staff.
His deal expires at White Hart Lane at the end of the season and early indications suggest he is unlikely to play again before then.
Cudicini's girlfriend Alessia Marcuzzi, 37, the host of the Italian version of Big Brother, is said to be flying in from Rome to be with him.
All professional footballers have it written into their contracts that they are not allowed to take part in any activity deemed to be a risk to their ability to play football.
Reader views (9)
Whilst I wish him the best & hope he makes a full recovery, where is the story in this? I don't get any compensation from either of my jobs for acidents that occur 'off the clock', nor do i get any for acciedents travelling to or from work
- Glynne, Lexington
Id love to know the cars Harry's "stars" use when coming to work. Since when has riding a BMW 1200 become a dangerous activity? He should have copied Christian Ronaldo and driven a lambo and then he'd have been covered by the PFA.
The BMW is probably the most conservative bike you can buy and ride.
- Terry, Hennebont France
Yeah right.
Did you read the actual report?
The motorcycle rider suffered multiple injuries, while the car driver was totally unhurt.
People have the right to ride whatever they want, without question.
Motorcycles offer virtually no protection to the rider. If they collide with a car, chances are that they will always come away seriously injured.
I have been involved in 5 major car accidents. All at speed. My worst injury was a seatbelt bruise and a slightly sore thumb. If I had those same accidents on a motorbike there is no way I would be able to write this email. I would either be interred in the ground or totally incapacitated thru paralysis.
Friends often tell me about their 'need for speed' and I can respect that. But for me it is a total turnoff: Due to the vulnerability that motorbikes offer you.
- Reay, London
carlo will be limp wristed for a while he can play being a kettle in panto this xmas...harry didnt know he had a motorbike thats a limp excuse
- Scony, middlesbrough
Id love to know the cars Harry's "stars" use when coming to work. Since when has riding a BMW 1200 become a dangerous activity? He should have copied Christian Ronaldo and driven a lambo and then he'd have been covered by the PFA.
The BMW is probably the most conservative bike you can buy and ride.
- Terry, Hennebont France
All the best to Carlo, he's always seemed like a decent bloke & is as good a back up keeper as any.
Also, Why would Harry know that Carlo was riding a bike unless he saw him on it? It's not like players are the only people at the training ground, a bike in the car park could belong to anyone, there's a fwe bike's in my work car park but I don't know who's they are.
- Robbie K, Harlow, Essex
All the best Carlo
- Dee, London UK
All the best for the future, old chap, but it won't be at WHL.
- Ted, London
So Harry couldn't see a 1200cc motor bike turn up at the training ground - even Wenger would have seen that Harry!!
- Barry, Welwyn England
Get well soon Carlo....
- Mark, St Albans
