DEJAN KULUSEVSKI OPENS UP ON HIS HEARTBREAKING INJURY BATTLE AFTER EMOTIONAL TOTTENHAM RETURN 😢💙
Tottenham Hotspur star Dejan Kulusevski has made an emotional admission after finally returning to action following 526 days on the sidelines, describing his long road to recovery as an “impossible” journey.
The Swedish international came on in the 87th minute during Tottenham’s 3-1 victory over Coventry City on Monday, bringing an end to nearly 17 months of frustration, pain and uncertainty over his future in football.
Kulusevski’s injury problems began during the 2024/25 campaign. What initially appeared to be a minor knock developed into a serious issue involving his right kneecap, forcing him to undergo surgery in May 2025. Several setbacks followed, with another operation in March finally helping him move closer to a comeback.
Speaking after his return, the 26-year-old revealed just how difficult the experience had been.
“The journey felt impossible. 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,” he explained.
Kulusevski admitted that, despite never completely losing hope, there were moments when even he feared his recovery might not succeed. He revealed that he had to prepare his closest friends and family for the possibility that he might not return as expected.
However, the winger refused to give up, claiming he worked for around 10 hours every day away from the spotlight to give himself the best chance of playing again.
He also expressed gratitude to Tottenham supporters for continuing to miss him during his absence, promising to return as a better player and person.
“I am here to show them a better me. And a better me will be a better Spurs, so we will be good,” he said.
His lengthy absence came during a difficult period for Tottenham. The club managed only three home league victories while he was unavailable and narrowly avoided relegation on the final day of the 2025/26 season.
Spurs also missed the contributions of James Maddison, who made his first start in 536 days against Coventry, scoring a goal and delivering an outstanding performance.
Kulusevski missed Tottenham’s Europa League triumph, never played under former managers Thomas Frank and Igor Tudor, and was also unable to represent Sweden during their World Cup campaign.
Now back on the pitch, he believes the difficult experience has changed his outlook on life and football.
“I think I am a different man now. Same guy, same guy that wants to play football, but a little bit smarter,” he said.
The winger described football as being like breathing, explaining how painful it was to spend so long unable to do what he loves. He praised the importance of family, courage, love and belief in helping him overcome the darkest moments of his recovery.
Kulusevski also had positive words for Tottenham head coach Roberto De Zerbi, saying he likes the Italian manager and is excited to continue working under him.
After more than a year away from competitive football, Kulusevski’s return offers Tottenham renewed hope as they look to rebuild their season.
Can Dejan Kulusevski help Tottenham turn things around now that he is finally back? 👀💙
