Dejan Kulusevski opens up on 'impossible' journey back to fitness after first game in 526 days

Dejan Kulusevski has opened up about his "impossible" journey back to fitness after returning to action in Tottenham's 3-1 win over Coventry, his first game in 526 days. The Swede was hailed when he returned in the 87th minute, putting behind him a 17-month injury stint. Kulusevski had surgery on his right patella in May 2025, which was followed by several setbacks. He underwent a second procedure in March, recovered over the summer, and returned to the field for Spurs' first Premier League win of the season. Commenting on his lengthy journey back to fitness, he said: "Everything feels great. I have been working harder than you can ever imagine. "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 and that is what I do. "No, never (did I lose belief). It seemed impossible. "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. LATEST SPORTS NEWS Erik ten Hag accuses Cristiano Ronaldo of 'letting the team down' in bombshell claim Ronnie O'Sullivan suffers humiliating first round loss in Northern Irish Open despite early lead Tennis star splits from husband saying emotional toll of Ukraine war influenced decision "I kept working, 10 hours every day when no-one is watching, so when everything was impossible and everyone gave up, I never gave up because of this that happened today. "I am so grateful that (fans) miss me play. 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." During the Swede's time out, Tottenham had managed only three home league wins and narrowly avoided relegation on the final day of last season. Kulusevski also missed Sweden's World Cup campaign, which ended in a Round of 32 exit against France. Commenting on his return to the pitch, he said: "It was amazing. It was more emotional I think this morning. It was a beautiful day and I'm so happy we won. "I will tell everyone about the journey. It has been an amazing journey even if it is hard sometimes. Hard is beautiful and I am so grateful that I had to experience it. "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. "I was not (nervous). I was ready to play and it was fun. "Imagine when everyone gives up on you. You know football for me is like breathing. Imagine you can't breathe for two years? "But still you have a family, you show up, you do it with a smile, you go with your teammates, you hype them up and that takes a lot of love, a lot of courage and a lot of belief." Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter