A footballer badly injured in a serious crash has said he is "lucky to be alive".

Jordan Chiedozie, who played for Bashley FC,  is making good progress in hospital and hopes to return home soon following the accident on the M27.

The 30-year-old was put an induced coma after a car crashed into him on the hard shoulder late on Saturday, February 1.

He had been travelling back from Bashley's game at Tavistock with club physio Reighan Taylor, when they pulled over on the M27 near Southampton, to investigate a flat tyre.

He said his life has "changed forever" but added that he is eternally grateful to everyone who has helped him since the accident.

Speaking via a club statement, he has said: “I will never be able to thank everyone personally, but I am truly grateful to everyone who has helped me.

READ MORE: Fundraiser launched for Southampton footballer after M27 crash

"I’m overwhelmed by all of it, to be honest, and can’t believe the amount of kindness and support I’ve had.

“Firstly I just want to say thank you to everyone who has written messages of support and donated to the fund my brilliant team-mates set up. 

“Secondly, I want to thank everyone at Bashley Football Club for everything they have done for me and my family since all this happened.

"It’s been amazing and shows what a great club it is. I’m still in hospital at the moment awaiting one of the last procedures, hopefully next week, before I can then go home and start to heal.

“Unfortunately my football career is over and my life has changed forever but I’m lucky to be alive thanks to all the surgeons, nurses and emergency teams whose work has been so brilliant since the accident happened. 

“Thank you again for all the messages of support and donations - Jordan and family.”

READ MORE: AFC Totton pledge support for ex-player Jordan Chiedozie in M27 crash

The fundraiser set up to support him and his family has now surpassed the £32,000 mark and is nearing the goal of £35,000.

Bashley chairman Steve Lewis said: “The response to what happened to Jordan has been amazing, not only from our own club and fans but from all over the country.

"The ‘football family’ has certainly rallied around, and, like Jordan, we are truly grateful for that."

Team manager Dave Lewis said: “As a club, we will continue to offer Jordan whatever help we can, and likewise, to Reighan Taylor, our physio, who was with him at the time of the accident. 

"We were delighted to see Reighan return for our game at Bideford last weekend, but the nightmare of what she witnessed at the moment Jordan was hurt is something that is likely to stay in her memory forever.”