Jean Philippe-Mateta wore a huge bandage on his left ear in a heartfelt interview with Sky Sports as he opened up on his horrific injury and surgery.
The Crystal Palace striker says he didn't feel any pain when Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts kicked him in the head earlier this month - and even wanted to carry on playing.
But Mateta, 27, was taken off after receiving on-pitch treatment, immediately hospitalised, and needed 26 stitches.
He has returned to first-team training and hopes to play soon after the international break, likely with a protective mask.