Former Hearts of Oak goalkeeper Eric Ofori Antwi has disclosed that the club did not cover the cost of his recent knee surgery, despite initially indicating they would.
Antwi, who joined the Phobians in 2022, suffered a meniscus tear in his right knee, which sidelined him for several months. Speaking to LinusNartey TV, the 30-year-old revealed that while Hearts of Oak had assured him they would finance the procedure, they failed to do so promptly, forcing an unnamed individual to step in and cover the expenses.
“Initially, they [Hearts of Oak] said they would foot the bill for the surgery, but time was passing, and the club was not coming forth,” Antwi said.
He also addressed speculation that goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi had paid for the surgery, clarifying that this was not the case.
“Many people are saying Zigi paid the bill for the surgery, but it’s not him. It was one person who financed it, and I will not mention his name. Hearts of Oak did not pay for the surgery, but when they heard about it, they asked me who paid, assuming it was Zigi. I told them no, it wasn’t him.”
Antwi further explained that he personally covered the cost of his initial treatment. For the surgery, the doctor intended to bill the club, but he remains uncertain if the payment was ever made.
“I paid for the first treatment, but for the second one, the doctor said he would collect from the club. As of now, I don’t know whether they’ve paid or not. That’s between the doctor and the club,” he added.
During his time with Hearts of Oak, Antwi made only eight league appearances before his injury ruled him out of the entire 2023/24 season. His absence contributed to the club’s goalkeeping struggles, as they battled to avoid relegation.
Despite having a year left on his contract, Antwi parted ways with Hearts of Oak at the start of the current season.
