A FOOTBALLER rescued through a top floor window of his home today blamed his love of soccer for his decision to play with an injury.It was a decision which has left him on crutches after sustaining spinal injuries.

A FOOTBALLER rescued through a top floor window of his home today blamed his love of soccer for his decision to play with an injury.

It was a decision which has left him on crutches after sustaining spinal injuries.

Aaron Warner, a defender for Queens, hurt his back during a heavy tackle in a game at Bucklesham Road, Ipswich, on Sunday.

The 22-year-old was already suffering from an injury but played on because he "loves football so much".

Today he issued a heartfelt thank you to the emergency services for their help during the bizarre rescue through his landing window at his home in Green Lane, Tattingstone.

Mr Warner, an Ipswich Town fan said: "I knew I was injured but I decided to play because of my enthusiasm for the game. I love football so much.

"I want to say thank you to the paramedics, fire service and air ambulance crew.

"My first thought was what the heck do they want to take me out the window for but they really relaxed me."

What turned into a nightmare day for Mr Warner started on a high.

He scored a rare goal for his Division Eight Flare Recruitment Ipswich Sunday League side – a 25-yard shot from open play. His team eventually lost 2-1.

It was five minutes before the final whistle when he clashed heads with a member of the opposition and landed on his spine – causing serious internal bruising.

The former Holbrook High student said: "I knew straight away there were problems but we were fighting for the point so I played on.

"When I got home I went to bed and within two minutes one side felt totally numb – it was pretty scary.

Mr Warner called the ambulance at about 3pm but because of his condition and wait for the air ambulance it was 5.30pm before he was conveyed to Colchester General Hospital.

He was taken through the window on a spinal board because the shape of his house meant he could not be taken down the stairs.

The window was cut away and he was lowered to the ground on a turntable ladder.

He said: "I'm lucky it wasn't any worse – something permanent or life-threatening.

"There were times when I was in so much pain I though it was something really bad.

"I'm now tired and still in a lot of pain.

"I've had a lot of team mates ask how I am and when the player I clashed with heard about it he contacted me through the club to find out how I was.

"I've been told not to play for four weeks but will take longer off if there's a risk of doing any damage."

Mr Warner also wants to thank Babergh District Council who replaced the window before he returned from hospital at 8.30pm on Sunday.