An insight into a leading reason behind the penalty embarrassment suffered by Osasuna star Ante Budimir on Monday night has today been forthcoming.
The name of frontman Budimir, of course, took its place front and centre in the headlines in not only Spain, but across all of Europe just shy of 24 hours ago.
As much came after the 32-year-old was responsible for one of the worst spot-kick attempts in recent memory.
Deep into injury-time in Osasuna’s La Liga meeting with Valencia, with his side trailing by a goal to nil, Budimir stepped up to take responsibility from 12 yards out.
After seemingly changing his mind on the way to the ball, however, the Croatian stumbled, before chipping an effort with barely enough power to reach the goal directly at Valencia shot-stopper Giorgi Mamardashvili.
Budimir, in turn, was inevitably singled out for widespread criticism, with his spot-kick woe having cost Osasuna a share of the spoils on the night.
And yet, it has since been revealed that fans and the media alike may have been a touch too harsh on the striker.
This comes amid confirmation that Budimir stepped up to take his penalty on Monday whilst in possession of no fewer than three broken ribs.
After complaining of pain in the region post-match, the Osasuna man – in the midst of an otherwise superb individual campaign – was taken to hospital for tests.
And, as per an official statement across the Rojillos’ website and social media platforms, as much went on to reveal what no doubt represented an extremely painful blow:
‘Forward Ante Budimir was taken to Clínica Universidad de Navarra after tonight’s match against Valencia C.F. due to an injury he suffered during the match. The tests carried out determined that the striker suffered a thoracic traumatism with three costal fractures in the right hemithorax. The player has been admitted to the Clínica Universidad de Navarra for observation and analgesic treatment until further assessment in the coming hours.’
Conor Laird | GSFN
