Hügelsattl after his accident: “I thought that was it”

was a threshold saddle was run over by a turning truck on March 11th . The rescue operation was extremely difficult. After he was finally freed with an air cushion, he was put under general anesthesia in the ambulance, after which days of anxiety began. Now the former South Tyrolean football figurehead speaks about his experience: “It wasn’t clear whether my left leg could be saved. But the very worst could then be avoided.”

Hügelsattl can still remember the accident in great detail, but what really moves him today is the sympathy of his family, friends and the entire football world. The many messages really overwhelmed him and showed “what great solidarity there is in the sports scene”.

Arnold Hügelsattel was among these trucks on May 11th. © Video Active Schnalstal

The situation was particularly stressful for Wechselsattl's wife and their two children. “Fortunately, they were quickly informed that my life was out of danger. Among other things, an open fracture of the tibia with significant tissue injury and a fracture of the pelvis were diagnosed. “It was only after three days that the first slight all-clear was given,” says the 46-year-old, who was subsequently left with countless sleepless nights by the trauma of the accident. “Fortunately, I received very good medical support here too.” The guardian angel also helped out in China The Algunder is now back home with his family, but has to go back for observation every few days. Only the healing process will show how severe the subsequent damage will be. “When I was lying under the heavy truck, I actually thought: That’s it. No matter how it all turns out, I can already say that I had a huge guardian angel again.” “I always saw this job as my calling” Hügelsattl about his work as a football teacher in Mals In fact, this was not the first time that Wechselsattl found his life in danger: during his professional time in China at the turn of the millennium, his liver was ruptured four centimeters wide. “The first aid there was really chaotic near our training camp home at the time. The paramedics were completely overwhelmed by the situation.” It wasn't until the hospital in the nearest big city that the severity of the injury was recognized - just in time. “Of course you worry in such a situation. When you realize how quickly everything can be over, you realize what is really important to you and what makes this life so worth living.”

In addition to his family and his large circle of friends, this primarily includes his work as head football coach at the sports school in Mals. The well-traveled former professional, who was active not only in China but also in Germany, Italy, Austria and Norway, hopes to be able to resume his work as quickly as possible. “I love working with our around 100 young footballers. I always saw this job as my calling and it gives me great joy.” According to Wechselsattl, you can literally hear the enthusiasm in every syllable. He is now trying to fight his way back from the sick bed with exactly the same commitment.

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Hügelsattl after his accident: “I thought that was it”

Arnold Hügelsattl was seriously injured in a traffic accident in Algund almost a month ago. It wasn't the first time that the former professional footballer was exposed to pure fear of death, which is why he himself says today: "God probably has something in store for me."

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