A British footballer who was assaulted in Australia last month remains in intensive care “fighting for his life”, his parents have said.

Former Carlisle United youth player Danny Hodgson, who moved to Australia aged 18 from Cumbria, was punched at a Perth train station on 4 September and has been in a medically induced coma after suffering a brain haemorrhage and a skull fracture from the attack.

In an update, his parents Peter and Nicola Hodgson said his condition has worsened in recent days.

“Our beautiful Danny remains in the ICU at Royal Perth Hospital fighting for his life,” the statement said.

“Unfortunately more bleeds on his brain and ever-present blood clots have seen his condition worsen over the past few days and he has had several additional surgeries and procedures.”

While they know the medical prognosis is “as serious as it gets”, they added: “But this is our Danny”.

“He has never given up and neither will we,” they said.

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Hodgson, 26, had been out with teammates from National Premier Leagues Western Australia side ECU Joondalup before the incident.

ECU Joondalup head coach Kenny Lowe said everyone at the club was “devastated” by the attack.

Among messages of encouragement for Hodgson were those from Manchester United stars Cristiano Ronaldo and Dean Henderson.

Ronaldo said: “Hi Danny, I just hear about your history and I hope you get well soon. I invite you to come to one of the games in Manchester so get well soon my friend, Take care.”

Henderson said: “Stay strong, stay in there. You’ll get through this, I promise. I know how hard you are and you’ll be fine. I can’t wait to get you over to a game and meet the boys.

“I’ve told them all about you and we’re in your corner – we just wish you all the very best.”

Hodgson’s parents thanked the “incredible staff” at Royal Perth Hospital who are caring for him and said they will “forever be grateful for their compassion, understanding and skill”.

They said someone from their Perth-based family, along with Hodgson’s girlfriend Jessica, is always at his bedside.

“We will never stop hoping and praying for the miracle that our boy deserves”, they said.

A 15-year-old boy has been charged with aggravated battery and will appear in Perth Juvenile Court on 22 September.

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