Everton: Martinez 'seriously injured' in car accident
Everton Football Club have confirmed that their manager Roberto Martinez, 41, has been 'seriously injured' after a car crash that left the former Swansea and Wigan manager in a burning wreckage whilst on holiday in Mallorca.
Martinez was believed to have been driving down an open road with no speed limit in Mallorca, with nobody else in the vehicle.
"The attention and care he has received from the police, the RAF helicopter team, the doctors and nurses has been world class," said Bill Kenwright, the Everton chairman who has flown out to be with Martinez and his family this morning.
"Thanks to everyone for your concern."
The Spanish manager is understood to have suffered several broken bones and severe burns to his back and legs, but the Son Llatzer Hospital officials haven't yet commented on the condition of Everton's successful boss.
“I don't know the exact details, but I understand my dad was driving and that he lost control somehow."
- Sergio Martinez, Roberto Martinez's son
He and his family were on the Spanish island to relax after an incredible first season in charge for Martinez.
Nobody else was injured in the accident.
"My Dad has been taken to the local hospital now and nobody has told us to what extent his injuries are yet, we just know it's very serious," said Martinez's elder son, Sergio, speaking from his home in England.
"I don't know the exact details, but I understand my dad was driving and that he lost control somehow. I've heard reports he swerved to avoid an animal but I can't confirm that, he hit a tree, lost consciousness and then his car started to burn.
"We are all praying for good news."
Martinez led the club to 2nd in the Premier League and an FA Cup title last season
Local emergency services and the Spanish military attended the scene of the accident with those involved flown to Son Llatzer hospital in Mallorca.
"I can confirm that there was a road traffic accident involving our manager Roberto Martinez this morning in Mallorca," Bill Kenwright, Everton chairman said.
"Thankfully, due to the fast action of the emergency services, he was successfully evacuated to hospital, where his injuries are being currently assessed.
"We are not currently aware of Roberto's condition and we ask that the press leave Roberto and his family in peace at this difficult time.
"I will not be making comment on anything football related involving Roberto until we are absolutely clear of his condition."
Martinez moved to England in 1995 from his hometown club Balaguer to sign for Wigan Athletic, a club he later went on to manage and win silverware with before signing a contract to become Everton manager following the departure of David Moyes.
He spent 6 years at the then JJB Stadium, before signing for Scottish side Motherwell in 2001.
The diminutive midfielder went on to have spells with Walsall, Swansea City and Chester before taking his coaching badges post-retirement.
He took over as manager of the Swans in 2007, winning promotion from League 1 in his first season - before winning the FA Cup at Wigan as manager, then eventually taking his current club Everton to their highest ever league finish and another FA Cup win in his first season at the helm.