Doha, Qatar, 19 June 2014: Aspetar is fast becoming a magnet for elite footballers as the FIFA World Cup 2014, currently taking place in Brazil, features 20 stars from 9 nations who have visited the sports medicine hospital for treatment and consultations. Aspetar is not only providing first-class services to the Algerian and Ivorian teams throughout the World Cup 2014, but also to other players. World Cup 2014 stars to have visited Aspetar include the Brazilian striker ‘Hulk’, who underwent intensive tests during a training camp at Aspire Zone with Russian club Zenit St. Petersburg early this year.

French star Blaise Matuidi received treatment at Aspetar during winter camp training with his club Paris St. Germain last year. Compatriot Bacary Sagna also visited Aspetar to undergo a rehabilitation programme after a knee surgical operation in June 2012. Since then, he has shone with both his club Arsenal and the French national team, with his splendid recent form earning him a transfer to English Premier League champions Manchester City.

Following his stay in Doha Sagna said:

“Aspetar is a great hospital with a first-rate team of the highest calibre. I am receiving the very best treatment here, which will hopefully secure a quick return to the green fields”.

Three players from Qatar Stars League, who received routine check-ups at Aspetar through the National Sports Medicine Program, are also participating at the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™. Algeria and Lekhwiya captain Madjid Bougherra, Al Ahli’s Pejman Muntazeri from Iran, and Australian Mark Bresciano, who plays at Al Gharrafa have all benefitted from Aspetar’s proven expertise..

Australian attacking midfielder Tim Cahill, who scored his country’s only goal in their opening World Cup match against Chile last Friday, has also visited Aspetar. His first stay was during the finals of Asia Cup in January 2011 while playing with the national team, and his second visit came in 2012 while playing with English side Everton.

At the time, Cahill said:

“Aspetar provides everything I need, and I believe this will help me in my football career so that I can play better for the longest period possible”.

Now aged 34, Cahill is continuing his successful career with the Australian national team and the New York Red Bulls.Russian striker Aleksandr Kerzhakov, who visited Aspetar in March 2011, is also participating in the 2014 World Cup. He is set to line up against giant Belgian defender Daniel van Buyten, who underwent x-rays for an injury he suffered while playing for Bayern Munich during the team’s winter camp in Doha this year, in a Group H clash next Sunday. Three Japanese stars currently playing at the World Cup have also visited Aspetar including Shinji Okasaki, Gotoku Sakai, and Shinji Kagawa of Manchester United.

In line with agreements signed by Aspetar and the Ivorian Football Federation, five Ivorian footballers underwent treatment and rehabilitation in order to prepare for the competition. Ivorian legend Didier Drogba travelled to Doha last April for a check-up and treatment after suffering an injury, subsequently announcing that his physical fitness had significantly improved after treatment and rehabilitation at the hospital. Teammate Yaya Toure also received treatment over a three-week period at Aspetar in advance of the World Cup stated, “This is the first time I have ever seen a hospital like this. Even in Europe they don’t have anything similar”. Compatriots Sol Bamba and Mathis Bolly also visited the facility. Following an agreement with the Algerian Football Federation, Aspetar has hosted Algerian national team players Hassan Yebda, who received rehabilitation programme in 2013, and Essaid Belkalem, who underwent a surgical operation and rehabilitation two years ago while playing in the Algerian local football league. Belkalam currently plays for Watford FC in England.

Aspetar’s vision is to become a leader in sports medicine by 2015. For more information about Aspetar, visit: www.aspetar.com