I feared I was blind for life and panic every time I hear a noise, says Yoane Wissa after alleged acid attack
BRENTFORD star Yoane Wissa has revealed his torment at allegedly having acid thrown in his face – insisting he could have been blinded for life.
And the Bees’ record Premier League goalscorer, 28, said he has been left in fear ever since.
A woman has gone on trial in France accused of attacking Wissa at his home in July 2021, days before he joined Brentford from Lorient for £8.5million.
Named only as Laetitia P., the 36-year-old is also accused of attempting to kidnap the player’s baby daughter – as well as actually taking another woman’s baby the following day.
She faces up to 30 years in jail if found guilty.
The court at Vannes in Brittany heard Wissa deliver an emotional account of the alleged events.
The striker said he let the woman into his Lorient apartment after she had called round earlier that day seeking his autograph.
He said: “I opened a door, and had liquid thrown in my face. I screamed and could not breathe.
“My wife called the emergency services, and they told me to get under the shower to rinse my eyes.
“At the hospital they told me my eyes were burned. Someone had to come and rinse them out every hour.
“It has been a nightmare. Since then I panic every time I hear a noise, and the only thing that kept me going was knowing my children are safe.
“I had surgery on both eyes, and the doctor told me I will need to use eye drops for the rest of my life.
“It took me six months before I fully got my sight back.
“Had I not been treated so quickly, the consequences would have been far worse.
“The days afterwards were traumatic for me. I know I will never feel the same as I used to.
“I recognised the accused woman straight away. She was wearing sunglasses even though it was 11pm.
“I want justice. Why has this happened to me? My wife and I will suffer the after-effects for the rest of our lives.
“This hugely delayed my move to Brentford. I missed their pre-season, and when I arrived the manager [Thomas Frank] said he had already drawn up his first team.
‘I HAVE BECOME MORE WITHDRAWN’
“He sympathised with me, and gave me time to adapt – but I got injured quickly as I wasn’t feeling great.
“After the attack I reacted like a father more than a footballer, and told myself at least my kids are unharmed even though I am blind.
“Since that time I have become withdrawn. I can no longer tolerate being around people I don’t know.
“I don’t now express as much love as I used to, and when I’m walking I instinctively look behind me.
“And at nights I can no longer get to sleep if I am by myself.
“My kids often ask me what I have done to my face, but they are too young for me to tell them what happened.
“I have been offered an operation. But I have refused, as this is part of my personal history.
“My wife and I have to see a psychologist, and she suffered depression.
“We got married soon after the incident, as you never know what fate holds in store for you.”
The trial continues.