Super Eagles vice-captain, William Troost-Ekong, has penned an emotional message to PAOK fans after he was ruled out of the season due to injury.
Troost-Ekong sustained the injury during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
The centre-back is expected to undergo surgery and will only return to action next season.
“PAOK family, as many know, I got injured during AFCON. Disappointingly, this injury has turned out to be more serious than first thought. I have always given everything and pushed myself. Every player has played with pain at some point in their career to fight for club or country. It’s part of the game,” read the statement posted on the player’s X handle.
“I managed to continue in the knockout stages, and I was willing to continue to do the same now to help PAOK push for the prizes in the league and Europe too, but after more assessments and consultations, it was the best decision long-term to undergo the surgery now.
“My full focus is on getting back better than ever before.”
Troost-Ekong scored three goals for Nigeria at the AFCON 2023 finals.
The 30-year-old was also named Player of the Tournament.