EX-IRELAND CRICKETER Jesse Ryder has been moved from intensive care at the Christchurch Hospital as his condition continues to improve.
Ryder, who was attacked by a small group of men outside a bar on Thursday in Christchurch, giving him a fractured skull and a punctured lung – has been able to speak with his family and medical staff recently.
And he issued a statement to the public on Sunday, thanking them for their support.
”I just want to let everyone know that I’m okay,” Ryder said.
“I feel heaps better today but still really tired. I’ve been reading your messages that have been sent so thank you to everyone for thinking of me over the last few days.”I want to thank everyone who has been caring for me at the hospital – they have been awesome. Thank you to my family and friends who have been here, also.”
Ryder’s manager, Aaron Klee, was relieved after the batsman slowly started to return to full health and offered his thanks for the support his client has received.
“There’s been tears all week but it was just great to be able to engage with him again,” Klee said.
“We’re all pretty exhausted. It’s been a pretty difficult few days but having some wins over the last 24 hours has been a huge relief.
“The family wishes to extend their sincere thanks to everyone for the messages of support and love. They mean a lot and they will help Jesse undoubtedly in his journey ahead.”
The 28-year-old was due to travel to India this week to link up with Indian Premier League franchise Delhi but he will not play in the lucrative competition due to Thursday’s sickening incident.
And Klee said he or Ryder would issue no further updates on his condition, while adding that a return to cricket was not expected anytime soon.
“This is only the start of the recovery process for Jesse and there is still a big battle ahead to full health,” he said.“If he can recover from these injuries and get back to playing sport I’m pretty sure there’s a drive within Jesse that will get him back if he can.
“He’s got a bit of damage to his lungs and that’s been the toughest part and that’s what they’ve been most concerned about.”
Ryder has played 18 Tests for New Zealand, averaging 40.93 with the bat, while he has scored 1100 runs in 39 one-day internationals.
He also represented Ireland as an ‘overseas’ player in 2007.
