Given commended the superior facilities and services at the hospital, saying: “I chose Aspetar to have my treatment based on the recommendations of numerous sports medicine experts and the strength of the hospital’s international reputation”. He also praised the professionalism of the hospital’s medical team including its doctors, physiotherapists, and nutrition experts, emphasising that “one of Aspetar’s unique features is the way that it combines all elements of sports medicine under one roof”.

In terms of his match fitness, Given said: “The rehabilitation programme at Aspetar has helped me ahead of my return to playing again following my absence from injury. I will return to play for Stoke City in the Premier League and for the Republic of Ireland for UEFA Euro 2016, taking place in France next summer”.

Aspetar continually attracts many of the English Premier League’s players for treatment and rehabilitation. These include Yaya Toure and Bacary Sagna from Manchester City FC, Jon Flanagan from Liverpool FC, Marouane Chamakh from Crystal Palace FC,   Adlène Guedioura from Watford FC, Lacina Traoré who was previously with Everton FC, and many more.