Brentford’s Yoane Wissa has bravely opened up about the life-altering experience of allegedly having acid thrown in his face, revealing the lasting trauma and fear he’s had to live with ever since the attack.
A Shocking Incident That Changed Everything
In July 2021, just days before his £8.5 million transfer from Lorient to Brentford, Wissa’s life was shattered when a 36-year-old woman, identified only as Laetitia P., allegedly threw acid at him in his Lorient apartment.
This woman is now facing trial in France for the attack, as well as for the alleged kidnapping of Wissa’s young daughter and another baby shortly after the incident.
If convicted, Laetitia P. could face up to 30 years in prison.
Trauma, Panic, and a Long Road to Recovery
During the trial, Wissa shared a deeply emotional account of the harrowing attack.
He recalled opening the door to the woman, who had previously visited to ask for an autograph.
Suddenly, liquid was thrown in his face, leaving him gasping for air.
His immediate reaction was panic and shock. “I screamed and could not breathe,” Wissa said.
His wife quickly called emergency services, and Wissa was advised to shower to rinse his eyes.
At the hospital, doctors confirmed that his eyes were burned, requiring regular rinsing.
Despite receiving quick medical treatment, Wissa had to undergo surgery on both eyes, and the doctor told him he would need eye drops for the rest of his life.
It took six months for his sight to fully recover, but he admitted that things could have been much worse if the treatment hadn’t been so timely.
The Lasting Emotional Toll
The psychological aftermath of the attack has been just as devastating for Wissa.
“Since then, I panic every time I hear a noise,” he said.
The attack deeply affected his ability to interact with others, making him withdraw from social situations.
“I can no longer tolerate being around people I don’t know,” he explained.
Wissa also admitted that he now finds it difficult to express love like he once did.
The trauma has affected his sleep, too.
“At night, I can no longer get to sleep if I am by myself,” he shared.
His young children often ask about the marks on his face, but Wissa feels it’s too soon to explain the full story to them.
How the Attack Changed His Life
While Wissa’s recovery process continues, he acknowledged that the attack delayed his transfer to Brentford, making him miss the pre-season.
By the time he arrived, the manager, Thomas Frank, had already finalized the first-team plans.
“I reacted like a father more than a footballer,” Wissa said.
“I told myself at least my kids are unharmed even though I am blind.”
His emotional journey hasn’t been easy, and the strain on his family has been undeniable.
Both Wissa and his wife have sought psychological counseling to cope with the trauma. “My wife suffered depression,” Wissa revealed.
Despite these hardships, Wissa and his wife decided to marry shortly after the incident, understanding how fragile life can be.
“You never know what fate holds in store for you,” he said.
The trial against the woman accused of this horrific attack is still ongoing, and Wissa’s journey toward healing continues as he navigates the lasting effects of the trauma.
This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!
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