“I’m very close”: Former Barcelona winger speaks after 1,100 days away | OneFootball

“I’m very close”: Former Barcelona winger speaks after 1,100 days away

Gerard Deulofeu says he feels close to returning to football after nearly three year out due to serious knee injuries.

A Long road back to the pitch

Former Barcelona, Everton and Watford winger Gerard Deulofeu is edging closer to what he describes as “miracle” return to professional football.

The 31 year-old has not played competitive match since January 2023 after suffering repeated problems in his right knee.

His last appearance came with Udinese when he played 12 minute in 1-0 away win over Sampdoria in Serie A.

Injuries that changed everything

Deulofeu’s problems began with ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) suffered in match against Napoli before the FIFA World Cup 2022. Although he tried to continue playing, pain forced him off the pitch in tears.

It was the second ACL injury to his right knee after a similar setback in 2020 while playing for Watford which kept him out for eight month.

After surgery in 2023, complications followed including a serious infection that damaged cartilage in his knee leaving doctors concerned about long-term mobility.

“I lost my personal life”

In interview with BBC, Deulofeu spoke openly about the physical and mental toll of his recovery. He said the injury cost him his personal life and described the pain as the hardest experience he has ever faced.

The winger explained that his knee needed time to heal properly and that returning too early would have risked permanent damage.

After months of setbacks, he underwent a rare cell-based treatment in late 2023 which doctors described as his best chance to play again.

Hope after more than 1,100 Days

Now after more than 1100 day away from football, Deulofeu says he finally feels progress. He revealed that his leg feels stronger and that increased muscle strength has reduced pain inside the knee.

The former Spain international admitted that he understands how difficult a full comeback will be but believes he is “very close” to running again.

His focus remains on returning step by step, without rushing the final phase of his recovery.

Refusing to retire

Despite being without a club since his contract situation with Udinese changed, Deulofeu has refused to retire.

He continues to train under medical supervision and has made it clear that, if he completes his comeback, he wants to play again to prove he can finish his career on the pitch.