Mario Vušković welcomed by 7,000 HSV fans on return from four-year doping ban | OneFootball

Croatian centre-back Mario Vušković made an emotional return to Hamburger SV training on Tuesday. It was his first session since November 2022 after a nearly four-year doping ban, and he maintains his innocence.

Due to demand, HSV moved part of the week’s work to the Volksparkstadion, where about 7,000 supporters chanted his name, displayed Croatian-language banners and applauded at the end. One message said the journey had been long and the goal was near, welcoming him back.

Kicker reports that Tim Walter, the 50-year-old coach, plus Sebastian Schonlau and Jonas Meffert were present, all now at Holstein Kiel to support their former colleague.

Miro Muheim and goalkeeper Daniel Heuer Fernandes are the only players remaining from Vušković’s last HSV appearance. Muheim described the moment as special, said the group had always believed in his innocence and praised his character.

Restrictions remain in place. He cannot play until 22 November, the date of the Nordderby at Werder Bremen, and he is barred from interviews, autographs and club marketing.

HSV board member Eric Huwer echoed that optimism, noting the club had met Vušković’s parents Sanja and Daniel, and last year Luka, and expressing confidence that he will return.

Luka spent last season on loan at HSV from Tottenham Hotspur. After a standout campaign in the club’s first year back in the Bundesliga, the 19-year-old defender joined Brighton for €54 million. To aid his comeback, Vušković has hired physical trainer Josko Vlasic, Croatia’s decathlon champion.

Source: BuLi News

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”