Nekounam: I Thought My Career Was Over

GOAL - Javad Nekounam has revealed that he thought that his career may have been over in the summer, but is now relishing the prospect of returning from his knee injury.

The Iranian international damaged the cruciate ligaments in his right knee in mid-August and left him despairing over his prospects of ever kicking a ball again.

After a successful operation and two months of recuperation he on the mend and is hoping to return from Germany, where he had the surgery, as soon as he can.

"My desire to return is immense," he said. "But I did begin to think that my career as a football player was over."

"When I suffered the injury it was a really strong blow and I felt very upset.

"But with the help of my friends and after the operation went well, I started to feel better.

"I am now recovering well and beginning to cheer up too, because I can see the progress being made.

"I pray every day that it will never happen to anyone else, because it is a very hard injury to deal with.

"My family were also sad for me after they found out what had happened.

Nekounam is due to spend a few more weeks in Germany before being allowed to return to Spain, but he is confident that the medics will let him leave soon.

"I really miss playing and being with my team-mates every day. I am placing my trust in the doctors and the physiotherapists in the hope that I will recover both physically and mentally as soon as possible," he explained.

"If it were possible, I would return to Pamplona tomorrow."