Former Ligue 1 footballer Daniel Congre has denied claims of a suicide attempt after being admitted to hospital this week with a stab wound close to his heart.
Congre, 40, was rushed to hospital after suffering the injury on Monday evening.
His wife had called the emergency services following the incident, which occurred at their home in the town of Perols.
An initial emergency report mentioned a ‘knife deliberately planted in the heart’ in their report of the incident.
The Montpellier prosecutor’s office officially mentioned a ‘suicide attempt’, although the former Toulouse, Montpellier and Dijon player was not officially named.
In a statement to L’Equipe, Congre denied claims of a suicide attempt and revealed he had been involved in a ‘domestic accident’.
Former defender Daniel Congre was hospitalised following stab wounds close to his heart
Congre, who is recovering in hospital, said he suffered the injuries in a ‘domestic accident’
Congre, who now works for Lyon as a sporting coordinator, sought to offer reassurance to fans amid the incident and pushed back against ‘false rumours’.
‘Thank you all for your warm messages over the past few days,’ Congre told L’Equipe.
‘Today, I want to reassure you and set the record straight in a firm and precise manner, in order to put an end to a number of false rumours.
‘I was the victim of a domestic accident, which occurred while I was with my family.
‘It could have been more serious, but fortunately it was of no consequence.
‘I never imagined this event would reach such proportions, firstly, in terms of my health, secondly, in terms of the media.
‘This episode will soon be nothing more than a distant and bad memory for my loved ones and myself.’
Congre is recovering in hospital and is expected to soon be sent home following the incident.
Congre currently works as a sporting coordinator at Lyon following a lengthy playing career
Congre officially joined Lyon as a sports coordinator last November, shortly after his retirement.
The former defender is best known for his time at Montpellier, where he made 325 appearances in all competitions.
He also made 227 appearances for Toulouse.
For support for anyone at risk of suicide, contact Samaritans free on 116 123 or go to samaritans.org