City striker Mamady Sidibe has spoken for the first time of his relief at being back in England following his horrific ordeal playing for Mali against Togo in an African Nations Cup qualifier eight days ago.

Sidibe and other Mali players were attacked by irate Togo fans after Mali's 2-0 victory and the 26-year-old later needed surgery to repair tendons in his arm after it had been forced through a glass window.

Sidibe's ordeal began as soon as the final whistle blew.

As Togo fans invaded the pitch, he was knocked to the ground with a punch that later required six stitches.

But later in a scuffle in the tunnel area, he was pushed through glass which severed two veins.

It took two hours for Togo fans to allow him to leave for hospital in an ambulance and the 6ft4ins forward only got proper peace when he was re-united with his wife and baby son back in the Potteries.

"It was a very scary experience," said Sidibe.

"There was so much blood, it was just like a horror film.

"I have seen African fans get angry but never attack the opposition players like this.

"It was emotional when I saw my family again in England.

"I thought about them a lot during my experience."

Mali have qualified for the African Nations Cup finals, which will be held in Ghana, in January. But Sidibe is unsure whether he will go.

"It is something I have to think about after what has happened," he said.

"It is an important competition but I will have to talk to my wife first.

"It is not worth risking your life for a football game."

You can read Mamady's first full interview about the harrowing event exclusively in tomorrow's Mail on Sunday newspaper.