Cala sends message of support to Diakhaby

Ex-footballer Juan Torres, who was accused by Mouctar Diakhaby of directing a racist insult at him in 2021 in a Cadiz match against Valencia, on Tuesday sent a message of support to the French-Guinean defender, who suffered a serious knee injury during last Saturday's match against Real Madrid.

Cala, who retired from playing for Cadiz last season, said on social media that, "knowing first-hand how bad it is" with injuries, "what happened to Diakhaby last Saturday you wouldn't wish on your worst enemy".

The former player, who is now president of Cadiz-based Atletico Sanluqueno, wished the Valencia centre-back "with all his heart" a recovery "as soon as possible" and that he can "enjoy football again".

Diakhaby reported a racist insult by Cala in the 2020/21 season match between the two sides at the Estadio Nuevo Mirandilla on matchday 29, during which Valencia were forced to withdraw from the pitch.

However, in the end and at the risk of losing all three points, Valencia returned to the pitch without the French centre-back and the investigation opened by La Liga was eventually closed due to lack of evidence.

Diakhaby was discharged on Tuesday after being admitted to a Valencia hospital and will undergo surgery this Thursday in the French city of Lyon.