The family of Hull City footballer Ryan Mason have thanked people for their "well wishes and support" - after the midfielder required an operation on his fractured skull.
His club say the 25 year old is conscious and talking in hospital after accidentally clashing heads with Chelsea centre back Gary Cahill during the first half of their Premier League meeting on Sunday.
In a statement, his family say the messages have given them "strength" over the last 24 hours.
Mason will remain in hospital to be monitored over the next few days.
"We would like to take this opportunity to express our sincere thanks and gratitude for the overwhelming support shown to Ryan during what has been an extremely traumatic 24 hours," said his family in their statement.
Earlier Hull had provided an update on Mason's condition after surgery.
"Ryan has been speaking of the incident yesterday and will continue to be monitored at the hospital over the coming days where the Club will remain in close contact with Ryan, his family and the staff at St Mary's," they said.
Mason joined Hull from boyhood club Tottenham Hotspur in the summer for a club record fee of about €15 million.
The Chelsea match was his 16th Premier League appearance for Hull.
Ryan Mason remains in a stable condition. Statement from his family. pic.twitter.com/LS0BXTD4ql
— Henry Winter (@henrywinter) January 23, 2017
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