Perth footballer Danny Hodgson has returned to his club, saying he feels “great”, the day after he was released after more than six months in hospital.
Key points:
- Danny Hodgson says he had a hard time but it was worth it
- Her attacker was sentenced Friday to three years and eight months in juvenile detention.
- Mr Hodgson will continue his rehabilitation at home
Mr Hodgson, 26, was seriously injured when he was punched in an unprovoked attack near the town’s train station on September 5 last year.
He was released from the hospital on Friday, the same day he was The 17-year-old attacker was convicted to three years and eight months of juvenile detention.
Mr Hodgson arrived to cheers and applause to see his club ECU Joondalup SC, now known as Perth RedStar FC, play their first home match of the season.
“I feel good, it’s great to come back here. (I’m) looking forward to seeing the guys play,”
» said Mr Hodgson.
“I appreciate everyone’s messages and it’s been a tough time, but it’s been worth it.
“I haven’t seen (my mates) for six months, so it’s great to see everyone again.”
Mr Hodgson donned his team’s jersey as he arrived to watch the first home game of the season. (ABC News)
Perth RedStar FC general manager Simon Hicks said the club was delighted to have Mr Hodgson attend the match.
“It’s a very emotional moment for the whole club.
“There is no doubt that Danny was one of our stars, he was very, very close to all his teammates.
“It’s very special. I think we’ve already won as far as Danny being here. That’s the real feeling…the real victory is Danny being here,” he said.
Danny Hodgson was seriously injured after being hit by a 17-year-old boy. (Provided: Nicola Hodgson)
Mr Hodgson, who arrived in a wheelchair, will continue his rehabilitation at home after learning to walk again during his hospital stay.
“We’re just trying to look at all the positives in this story and how the football community has really come together,” Mr Hicks said.
“The fact that he’s now starting to walk, it’s such a fantastic story for us, and we’re really, really excited.”
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Perth Children’s Court heard on Friday Mr Hodgson was likely to have a long-term disability.
His mother, Nicola Hodgson, said his rehabilitation at home would be “exhausting but worth it”.
