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'He saved my life'

Chapecoense plane crash survivor Alan Ruschel reveals how he owes everything to team-mate

Alan Ruschel survived the tragedy and has revealed Jackson Follman saved his life by asking him to switch seats

CHAPECOENSE plane crash survivor Alan Ruschel has revealed how a team-mate saved his life.

The Brazilian team were flying over Colombia when the plane came down leaving 71 dead and only six survivors.

Alan Ruschel made an appearance at a charity game in aid of Chapecoense
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Alan Ruschel made an appearance at a charity game in aid of ChapecoenseCredit: EPA

Ruschel, 27, made a public appearance on Wednesday at a charity game and told of how he would not be alive if it was not for Jackson Follman.


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He said: "Jackson Follman calls to me and says, ‘come, sit with me’ and I went to sit next to him because it was him.

"I’ve known him since 2007, so I got out of my seat and went with him.

"At that moment I was saving my life."

Follman also survived the crash but had to have his leg amputated but is to be offered a job for life at Chapecoense.

Alan Ruschel survived the plane crash that killed 71 other people
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Alan Ruschel survived the plane crash that killed 71 other peopleCredit: Reuters
Neymar took part in the charity match for Chapecoense
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Neymar took part in the charity match for ChapecoenseCredit: Getty Images

Ruschel also described his last memories of the doomed flight.

He added: "It was a smooth and regular flight, and suddenly the lights went out and the emergency light went on.

"I asked Helio Neto (another surviving player) if he heard something (from the cabin), he said no.

Gabriel Jesus also made an appearance at the game in Brazil
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Gabriel Jesus also made an appearance at the game in BrazilCredit: Getty Images

"And he began to pray, asking God to protect us all. And from there I do not remember."

Chapecoense received the Copa Sudamericana trophy and requested to share the award with Atletico Nacional - the team they were due to face.

The Colombians were also given the fair play award for the way they acted after the plane crash and Chapecoense have been drawn into the Copa Libertadores for 2017.

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