Sol Mercado expressed gratitude to the Barangay Ginebra fans that sent prayers his way after suffering an ankle injury in Game Two of NorthPort’s 2019 PBA Governors’ Cup semifinal battle versus the Gin Kings last Monday.
The 35-year-old got hurt at the 3:34-mark of the third period after landing on the foot of LA Tenorio while he tried to defend the latter’s shot. His teammates then helped him to the bench, but he did not return to the game.
Mercado, himself a former ka-Barangay who won three PBA titles with them, then took to social media network Twitter just a few hours after the game — which they lost — to thank the fans who’d wished him well.
“Thanks for the prayers guys… I’ll be okay. The love and concern from all the NSD fans are crazy. Love you guys!”
Mercado was with the Batang Pier in Game Three on Wednesday, but was in street clothes. Asked about that Tweet, the veteran guard said that it was “astonishing” to still feel the love from the fans despite being on the other side.
“I find that astonishing just because we’re in a series against them. So to still have that love means everything. So I just want to let them know that it means a lot to me,” he said moments after the match which they lost also.
“Everybody, even the NorthPort fans, everybody has been praying for me. I appreciate it.”
With regard to his condition, Mercado allayed fears of a serious injury, as X-rays showed no fractures or tears.
“The X-rays came out negative so there’s no fracture. Thank God. But it’s really, really, really swollen,” he shared.
However, Mercado ruled out possibilities of him returning anytime soon as he said that he’s out for two to three weeks.
“I probably won’t be playing,” he said.
“It’s tough but it’s out of my control. Not much I can do but cheer my team on.”
