Ryan Reynolds’ profitable American soccer tour takes a turn for the worse as his star player suffers a punctured lung during a friendly match.

Ryan Reynolds' profitable American soccer tour takes a turn for the worse as his star player suffers a punctured lung during a friendly match.

Wrexham AFC: Striving for Success Amidst Drama and Injury

Wrexham AFC

It’s the latest chapter in the gripping story of Wrexham AFC, the Welsh soccer club that has gained global fame thanks to its celebrity owners, actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. While enjoying a successful tour of the United States, the team faced a major setback when their star striker, Paul Mullin, suffered a punctured lung after a collision with Manchester United goalkeeper Nathan Bishop.

Mullin, however, took to Twitter to provide an encouraging update on his condition. He expressed gratitude to the hospital and assured everyone that his recovery would begin with rest and recovery. The team known for its compelling docuseries, “Welcome to Wrexham,” recently won a friendly match against Man U’s under-21 team with a record crowd in attendance. However, their focus now shifts to the upcoming regular season, which starts in less than two weeks. Losing Mullin for any length of time will undoubtedly be a significant setback for the club that recently earned a promotion to English soccer’s fourth tier.

Manager Phil Parkinson admits that it’s unclear how long Mullin will be out, as a punctured lung typically takes six to eight weeks to heal. Despite this uncertainty, he is determined to support Mullin in his recovery, highlighting Mullin’s reputation for toughness. Parkinson acknowledges that injuries are a part of football and expresses confidence that the team will overcome this challenge and emerge stronger.

The incident occurred during the 11th minute of the match when Mullin attempted a header and was tackled by Bishop just outside the box. Mullin’s obvious pain led to an extended break in the game as medical personnel rushed to his aid. Eventually, with assistance and wearing an oxygen mask, Mullin was able to leave the field. Meanwhile, Bishop received continuous boos from the crowd, unaware that he had been substituted at halftime. Reynolds, who wasn’t present at the match, expressed his support for Mullin on Twitter, noting Mullin’s dedication and the entire Wrexham community’s wishes for a speedy recovery.

The upcoming second season of “Welcome to Wrexham” on FX has already revealed Mullin to be Reynolds’ and McElhenney’s favorite player. Mullin’s impact on the team and the fans is evident, with supporters often chanting “Super Paul Mullin” at the Racecourse Ground, the world’s oldest international soccer stadium.

Parkinson had hoped for an injury-free tour, which will conclude with a match against Philadelphia Union II. While some players were scheduled to attend a baseball game, Mullin’s injury changed their plans. His dedication to the team’s hard work and commitment during the tour has been praised, emphasizing that this trip was not a holiday but an opportunity to give their best on and off the pitch.

“Welcome to Wrexham” has garnered attention even in the United States. Mullin shared an encounter in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, where a passerby recognized him as “Super Paul Mullin,” confirming the show’s impact. Mullin’s injury will undoubtedly be a topic of discussion at The Turf, a pub adjacent to the Racecourse Ground. The atmosphere surrounding the team’s tour has been unparalleled, with fans lining up at a pop-up bar for specially curated drinks inspired by Reynolds’ Aviation Gin brand.

While Manchester United fans outnumbered supporters of Wrexham during the match, it was the latter who were loudly cheered when they scored two goals in quick succession, taking a 2-0 lead. A Man U fan, Greg Mills, expressed surprise at the number of Wrexham fans in attendance. He acknowledged the impact of “Welcome to Wrexham,” claiming that the show has brought attention to the club on an international scale.

As the tour comes to an end, Wrexham AFC continues to navigate challenges both on and off the field. Mullin’s injury serves as a reminder of the risks inherent in soccer, but the team remains determined to overcome this setback. The Wrexham community, along with their celebrity owners, stands united in supporting the team’s pursuit of success. The world now sees what locals have always known—Wrexham is a wonderful town with incredible people whose passion for their local club knows no bounds.