"It was a miracle," says injured Argentinian player after bus accident

Argentinian soccer player Diego Mendoza said on Thursday "it was a miracle" there were not more serious consequences after the bus carrying Club Atletico Huracan overturned on Wednesday in Venezuela.

"Upon getting out (of the bus), I saw I was missing part of my heel and I couldn't walk any further. I also saw Pato (Patricio Toranzo) walking around because he wanted to help but he couldn't. The two of us and the professor (Pablo Santaella) were the worst affected, but that was a miracle," said Mendoza.

The forward and author of the last minute goal in Tuesday's match against Caracas Football Club which allowed the Argentinian team to go through to the group stages of the Copa Libertadores de America, is still in hospital in Venezuela due to his injuries.

"Today I woke up and was felt happy to be alive," Mendoza told Argentinian television channel TyC Sports while giving details of the accident.

"The bus gained speed as we went down the mountain and hit other cars. Suddenly, I saw the driver was coming off the highway to take another road and I remember I could only see the mountain and the sky. I thought everything was over. I thought we were falling (off the cliff)," said Mendoza.

After the bus overturned Mendoza's left foot got stuck in between the glass from the bus window and the rocks from the mountain, added the player. He obtained his injuries while removing his foot from this position.

The player confirmed he has not damaged any ligaments and hopes to return to playing very soon.

Club Atletico Huracan arrived in Buenos Aires on Thursday aboard Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro's private plane.

Soccer players Mendoza and Toranzo are still in hospital in Venezuela. Toranzo had to have four toes on his left foot partially amputated. Physical trainer Pablo Santaella has also been kept in hospital after an operation on a fractured pelvis.

It is hoped the three men will be well enough to return to Argentina on Friday. Endit