Abdelhak Nouri’s brother has provided a positive update on the former Ajax player’s health, over two years on from the medical episode that tragically ended his career.
Nouri suffered cardiac arrhythmia during a pre-season game against Werder Bremen back in 2017, collapsing on the field before being rushed to hospital via an air ambulance.
Doctors put him into an induced coma and he was left with serious and permanent brain damage. After the incident various tributes were played to the young talent, with Ajax dedicating their 34th Eredivisie title to him – the same number that the Dutchman wore for the club.
Nouri has been out of a coma since 2018 and now lives in purpose built accommodation surrounded by his family.
“It’s going well with Appie. He is awake, he sleeps, he eats, but he does not get out of bed,” his brother Abderrahim told Dutch talk show De Wereld Draait Door (via Foot Mercato).
“In the good times, there is a form of communication, he moves the eyebrows. He just can’t keep it long, it seems to be top sport for him.
“Appie knows where he is. It is good for him that he is in an environment familiar with his family. We talk to him, take him in conversations and watch football with him. We notice that he likes it. Sometimes it’s also emotional, but often there is a smile. It’s good for us.”
Nouri broke into the Ajax first team during the 2016/2017 season, making 15 appearances in all competition and playing alongside the likes of Davinson Sanchez, Hakim Ziyech and Matthijs de Ligt.
He also shared the field with Frenkie de Jong who provided a heart warming anecdote about a visit he paid to his friend prior to signing for Barcelona in the summer.
“At the time, I still didn’t know where to go. When his mother wrote to FC Barcelona, Appie said he agreed. He raised an eyebrow. It was a great time,” he revealed.