Photo: Steffen Prößdorf / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Wikimedia Commons
Tottenham winger Xavi Simons has spoken publicly about his recovery from a ruptured ACL, describing the days immediately after surgery as the lowest point of his life. The 23-year-old Netherlands international suffered the injury to his right knee in a Premier League match against Wolves in April.
"The first four days were the worst days of my life," Simons said in a feature filmed during a visit to Spain, where he grew up. "I couldn't sleep, I didn't eat for one week. I was in a lot of pain. I was vomiting and felt dizzy, it was everything. That pain, I don't wish no one to go through that pain."
Simons said his condition improved significantly after the initial period. "From the second week everything went very good," he added. "I'm happy and in a good place now. I'm together with my family, we've worked a lot. They've been through a lot with me in this 10 weeks."
The winger returned to Tottenham's Hotspur Way training facility last week to step up his rehabilitation. He credited the club's medical and support staff for their role in his progress.
"Luckily, I have the club behind me and seeing my body like 'ok we can test things and go through different things'," Simons said.
Simons, who wears the number seven shirt at Spurs, says his focus is now entirely on returning in better shape than before. "Every time I'm in the gym, I'm only thinking I have to get stronger, I have to be better," he said. "Having that motivation in my head every day is really satisfying as it's giving me a boost all the time."
The player set out a clear ambition for when he does return to action. "My goal is to bring the club back to where it belongs and to win trophies. That's my main goal and that won't disappear. We'll definitely see a better Spurs, and definitely see a better Xavi Simons."