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tragic first words

Chapecoense’s Neto can’t recall anything of the tragic plane crash which killed 19 team-mates and 52 others

Defender has also been told he could play football again after extensive surgery

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CHAPECOENSE plane crash survivor Neto has no memory of what happened after waking up from his coma.

The defender was one of just six survivors of the Colombia plane tragedy that killed 71 people in total.

Helio Neto had to undergo emergency surgery having survived the plane crash
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Helio Neto had to undergo emergency surgery having survived the plane crashCredit: Getty Images

, one of the first things Neto asked doctors was who won the South American Championship.


Keep up to date with all the latest updates from the Colombia plane crash and Chapecoense team on our page, here.


The 31-year-old was also confused about why he wasn't allowed to play in the final and then questioned why he was in hospital.

The Brazilian side were on route to face Atletico Nacional in the Copa Sudamericana final when the plane ran out of fuel before crashing 30 miles short of their intended destination.

Doctors decided it was best to tell Neto the heartbreaking news when he was in a stable condition.

He has remarkably been told that he is able to play football again
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He has remarkably been told that he is able to play football againCredit: Getty Images

 

This picture of Neto went viral after he was removed from the wreckage
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This picture of Neto went viral after he was removed from the wreckageCredit: Getty Images

The defender went on to have surgery on his lung, knee and wrist but has been told he will play again. 

His father took to Facebook to share the news saying:  “I can inform with much satisfaction and happiness that my son is getting better and better.

“They’ve just operated on his legs and the doctors have assured that he will be able to return playing football.”

Just three

players survived including Alan Ruschel who has made an incredible recovery.

 

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