Dejan Kulusevski has described his return to football as an “impossible” yet “beautiful” journey after spending 526 days out with a serious knee injury.
The Tottenham Hotspur midfielder also thanked supporters for standing by him throughout his lengthy recovery and pledged to repay their faith.
The 26-year-old returned to action on Monday, coming on as an 87th-minute substitute during Tottenham’s 3-1 victory over Coventry.
It was his first appearance since suffering the injury in May 2025.
His comeback came on a positive evening for Spurs, who secured their first Premier League win of the season at the seventh attempt under Roberto De Zerbi.
The result also lifted the club off the bottom of the table.
James Maddison added to the celebrations by scoring his first goal in almost 18 months, having also endured an extended spell on the sidelines through injury.
Swedish Midfielder Reveals Doubts Over Recovery
Reflecting on his time away from the pitch, Kulusevski admitted that the possibility of never returning to football had become a concern, particularly in the final months of his rehabilitation.
“The journey felt impossible,” he said.
“It was the most difficult it could be, but I had a feeling I was going to come back to play football. I just had to believe and that is what I do.”
The midfielder revealed that he had warned those closest to him that his comeback might not happen, despite continuing to believe in his recovery.
“I had to tell my closest ones it might not work out, just a couple of months ago.
But in my heart, I always knew it would work out. I kept working. For 10 hours every day when no one is watching,” he said.
Kulusevski also described the emotional challenge of being unable to play the sport he loves while continuing to support his teammates.
“Imagine when everyone gives up on you. And football for me is like breathing.
Imagine you can’t breathe for two years but still you have a family, so you show up, you do it with a smile, you go with your team-mates, you hype them up and that takes a lot of love, a lot of courage and a lot of belief. That is what I had to practise,” he said.
“So, when everything was impossible and everyone gave up, I never gave up.”
Two Operations Prolong Injury Absence
Kulusevski initially damaged his kneecap during a match against Crystal Palace in May 2025.
He underwent surgery but continued to experience pain and discomfort when he returned to training seven months later.
Further treatment included injections and another period of rest, but the problems persisted.
He eventually underwent a second operation in March, extending his absence from competitive football.
The injury presented a difficult recovery process, with concerns about its delicate nature complicating his attempts to return to full fitness.
Kulusevski credited his Christian faith with helping him through the most challenging periods of his rehabilitation.
“God, he gives me all the power,” he said.
“I can’t take credit for what I’ve done because I haven’t done it alone. Every day he has been doing it for me.”
He also said he intended to share his experiences with others, describing the process as meaningful despite the difficulties.
“I will tell everyone about the journey. It has been an amazing journey even if it was hard sometimes.
Hard is beautiful and I am so grateful that I had to experience it,” he said.
Tottenham Fans Welcome Him Back
Tottenham supporters gave Kulusevski a loud ovation when he removed his tracksuit to replace Mohamed Kudus in the closing stages of Monday’s victory.
The reception reflected the support he had received during his long absence, something the midfielder said he deeply appreciated.
“I am so grateful that they miss me play,” Kulusevski said.
“It means a lot and I am here to show them a better me. And a better me will be a better Spurs so we will be good.”
He had taken part in an internal practice match at Tottenham’s training centre at the beginning of October and travelled with the squad.
However, he was not included on the bench for the team’s first match after the international break against Manchester United.
By the time Tottenham faced Coventry, he was ready to return to competitive action.
Kulusevski Says Recovery Has Changed Him
The midfielder revealed that he felt emotional earlier on Monday but was prepared for the brief appearance he eventually made.
“I was more emotional in the morning,” he said.
“I wasn’t nervous. I was ready to play those 10 minutes and make a good impact. It was amazing. It was fun. A beautiful day and I’m so happy we won.”
Kulusevski added that the experience had changed his outlook as he prepared to resume his career.
“Now I am ready to play football. I see myself a little different now.
I think I am a different man now. Same guy, same guy that wants to play football but a little bit smarter,” he said.
