Demba Ba back from leg injury as Shenhua raise charity for him

Shanghai, Oct 25: Senegalese striker Demba Ba has returned to Shanghai three months after a horrific leg fracture sustained in a Chinese Super League (CSL) match, and his football club Shenhua is said to be linking his name with a charity fund.

The former Chelsea marksman exited Shanghai Pudong airport early on Tuesday morning to the welcome of many fans who had earlier been concerned about his future with the club, reports Xinhua.

Ba's leg was broken in a Shanghai derby on July 7 when he tangled with SIPG defender and captain Sun Xiang in the 63rd minute of his side's 2-1 victory.

As the pair fell, Ba's left leg was caught between the turf and his opponent's boot, bending at a sickening angle and then appearing to snap gruesomely below the knee.

Doctors had warned that the injury could be career ending, and a regretful Sun made an apology while visiting Ba in the hospital. Ba underwent a surgery and rehabilitation in Qatar.

Ba's club Shenhua decided to issue a special ticket to commemorate his return, which will also serve as a chairty fundraiser to help the club's fans.

"The club will issue 20,000 such tickets, named as 'Demba Ba's Return Commemoration Tickets,' and each will sold at 100 yuan," announced the club.

"Proceeds will go to the Shenhua Fans Care Fund which helps those in need," it added.