Sheffield United captain Chris Basham has spoken for the first time since suffering a “horrific” leg injury during a game against Fulham. 

In a post on Instagram, the 35-year-old defender said he had been left “devastated” by Saturday’s injury.

He said he had undergone the first of two operations “to make things right”.

He thanked the football world for messages of support as well as friends, family and Sheffield United for “taking care of me”.

He also thanked Fulham and rival defender Tim Ream for “being there and putting football aside”.

A number of stars commented on the post, including England and Manchester United centre back Harry Maguire who wrote: “Thinking of you mate (heart emojis).”

Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale added: “With you mate (heart emoji).”

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Meanwhile, Fulham’s Ream wrote: “Thinking of you pal! Rest up and get right.”

Basham had to be taken off on a stretcher after appearing to break his ankle in the first half of the match.

The Premier League match was stopped for more than 10 minutes while the star was given oxygen.

Sheffield United fans sang “One Chris Basham” during the stoppage and he was applauded by both sets of supporters as he was taken off the pitch and into an ambulance.

Basham gave a thumbs-up to fans as he was replaced by Jack Robinson.

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Sheffield United manager Paul Heckingbottom said the injury was “horrific”.

“No one wants to see that, ever. I’ve been involved in it on the pitch with one of my teammates, but when it’s one of your own players it’s far worse and it’s tough,” he said.

“Of course it’s going to affect us, it’s going to for the season.”

In a post on social media, Mr Heckingbottom added: “Everyone knows how popular he (Basham) is… and everyone will be thinking about him.”

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Basham joined the South Yorkshire side in 2014 and has since played more than 390 games, featuring in every one this season.

Sheffield United stay bottom of the league, with one point from eight games, after losing Saturday’s away game 3-1.

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