Romanian teen Cosmin Lambru makes professional debut in domestic cup despite losing left hand as child in tragic truck accident
Attacker appeared for final nine minutes of Petrolul Ploiesti's 2-0 defeat at Universitatea Craiova to complete amazing story
A ROMANIAN footballer made his debut in the domestic cup last night — despite only having one hand.
Cosmin Lambru, 18, is the subject of an incredible story which proves nothing is impossible as he played the final nine minutes of Petrolul Ploiesti's 2-0 defeat at Universitatea Craiova.
The forward player lost his left hand after a tragic accident ten years ago.
He was walking along the street with his friends when he was hit by a truck. Cosmin ended up underneath the vehicle — but through quick reflexes, was able to save himself.
However, his left hand was badly injured in the crash.
Lambru remembered: "I felt terrible pain, but I was still conscious.
"They helped me away and took me to the hospital."
He was told by medics that, had he arrived any later, they would have likely been forced to remove his entire arm.
NO-GO FOR ROO England legend Wayne Rooney denied chance of Wembley farewell by FA
Doctor Otilia Racasa operated on the youngster and, despite the extreme complications regarding the procedure, she did all she could and was miraculously able to retain most of the arm.
Lambru never gave up on his dream to become a footballer, and last night overcame all the odds to achieve them.
most read in football
The result would not have been to his liking, however.
Petrolul were beaten 2-0 by U. Craiova on the night — following a double by Andrei Hergheligiu.
Lambru got his moment of stardom when he replaced Janko Pacar on 81 minutes, and appeared with a plastic hand strapped to his left arm.