Former Sporting midfielder opens up on tough spell: When life... | OneFootball

Manuel Ugarte did not complete the first half of the decisive match against Spain (0-1), which resulted in his team’s early elimination in the group stage, after suffering a tear of the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee. The former Sporting midfielder is facing a long spell on the sidelines and confirmed that this is a defining moment in his life.

"A few days have passed now, after all. Suffering the most serious injury a footballer can have in one of the most important matches for my country and having it end this way, without being able to support my teammates on the pitch until the end and without representing my country as it deserves, is something that will stay etched in my memory for the rest of my life", he began by writing on his social media.

Maxi Araújo’s teammate - who could be on his way out - believes he will come back stronger. "Hitting rock bottom will make me stronger in every way, and I feel that is the case. Without a doubt, when life wants us to stop, it lets us know somehow. It is up to me to take the positive side from this. To triumph in life is to start again every time you fall", he said, leaving a final note of thanks.

Manuel Ugarte also left a note of thanks to his national team and Manchester United. "I thank the Uruguayan federation and Man. United for being available from the very first minute. Many thanks as well to my family, my friends and for all the messages of support I received during this time. I will come back stronger", it reads.

Last season, Manuel Ugarte - valued at €25 million - was used on 24 occasions. In the 1,005 minutes he spent on the pitch for Manchester United, the Uruguay international did not manage to register any goals or assists.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.