Chapecoense survivor Follmann released from hospital

Brazilian football club Chapecoense's tragic plane crash survivor Jakson Follmann was discharged from hospital, almost 50 days after the tragedy that killed 71 people in Colombia.

Follmann was one of just six people pulled from the wreckage after the LaMia plane carrying the Chapecoense football team slammed into a hillside near Medellin on November 28, reports Xinhua news agency.

The 24-year-old lost the lower half of his right leg in the accident and will be fitted with a prosthesis next week.

"At last the big day has arrived, another step completed," Follmann told reporters on Tuesday. "I'm out of hospital and very happy. People here have taken great care of me. I'm feeling strong and practically healed of everything."

Follmann described his eagerness to return home and enjoy life's simple pleasures.

"The first thing I want to do is eat a barbeque," he said. "I want to go outside, breathe the fresh air, feel the affection. I've missed it a lot. I want to be with my family and enjoy some time with them."

The accident occurred less than two days before the small Brazilian team was due to play Colombia's Atletico Nacional in the first leg of the two-match Copa Sudamericana final.

Chapecoense were later declared winners of the prestigious tournament at the request of Atletico Nacional.

--IANS

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