A talented and passionate local footballer had his leg amputated after an accident on his electric scooter.
Sina Saman Nejad was involved in a crash with a car when riding his electric scooter near Asda on Breck Road, Everton, on February 9. The horrendous incident saw Sina's foot trapped under the wheel and almost severed.
Friend Anton Klass told the ECHO Sina lost so much blood that doctors said he was just 30 minutes away from dying. Anton, who has known Sina since 2016, said: "He was rushed for emergency surgery where they amputated his leg just below the knee. It's a really sad situation for him.
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"He is a really likeable lad. It's gutting for him. He would do anything for anyone and is just really selfless. It's such a shame. He knows he won't be able to play football again and that's really hard for him. Football was his life."
Sina moved to Liverpool from Iran in 2011. The 32-year-old, who lives in the city centre, has represented a number of teams including Everton in the Community and Liverpool Homeless Football Club. Sina gave an interview to the Liverpool FA several years ago where he spoke about his passion for football and love for Liverpool.
Sina said: "Football is my life and love. Liverpool and the football culture in Merseyside is the best place in England for refugees to play football, supported by Liverpool County FA."
He added: "The football industry has helped me to have a better life...all people are kind and lovely with me in Liverpool."
Anton told the ECHO "football was Sina's social life". As well as a passion for playing, Sina's passion was coaching as well and he holds aspirations of coaching for the England national team. Anton added: "We're trying to make sure we can help him to carry on coaching - hopefully he still can in some capacity."
At first Sina's foot was amputated and then after that most of his leg. Anton said Sina is currently still in severe pain and is on a lot of medication. Once he is eased off the medication he will undergo rehabilitation and then a prosthetic leg will be fitted. It will be nine to 12 months before he will walk again.
Anton told the ECHO: "He's trying to keep in good spirits but I think it's slowly hitting him. He must have some down moments when he's on his own. His family has come over from Iran to see him and support him.
"He has been living over here without them which makes it even more sad. He's just a really good lad who lived for football. We're helping in any way we can."
You can donate to Sina's fundraiser here.
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