Chapecoense footballer Alan Ruschel has begun his recovery after surviving the tragic plane crash which killed 19 of his teammates.
In total, 71 people lost their lives when a plane carrying the Brazilian team to compete in the first leg of the Copa Sudamericana final plunged into a mountainside in Colombia.
Ruschel was rescued from the wreckage and suffered numerous fractures, but he is already walking again after beginning treatment at the Somer Clinic in Rionegra, Colombia.
According to the Daily Mail, in a video message, Ruschel said: "I would like to tell you that I am recovering very well, I will soon come back to Brazil to finish my recovery.
"I would like to thank all of you, for the support given and by the vows of affection that I also received, I just wanted to thank everyone, thank you very much."
— Lívia Laranjeira (@livialaranjeira) December 7, 2016
As well as the majority of the first team, Chapecoense manager Caio Junior, the coaching staff, journalists and members of the cabin crew were among the fatalities.
Danielle Joynson
