From Barcelona to Udinese: Deulofeu's Journey Marred by Injury
Gerard Deulofeu's football career hangs in balance as he terminates contract with Udinese due to prolonged knee injury.
“We are fighting for this responsibility to be part of Udinese, more than 30 years in Serie...”
Gerard Deulofeu, a former Barcelona forward, has been working hard to recover from a serious knee injury that has sidelined him since 2023.
Here's what's been happening with him:
- Injury Overview: Deulofeu suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in his right knee during a match against Napoli in November 2022. Unfortunately, his recovery was complicated by a rare cartilage infection after surgery.
- Contract Termination: In January 2025, Deulofeu and Udinese mutually terminated his contract, which was set to expire in June 2026. Despite this, Deulofeu expressed his desire to return to Udinese if he recovers and resumes his playing career.
- Rehabilitation Progress: Deulofeu has been training alongside Udinese's team while he continues his rehabilitation. He's optimistic about his progress, stating he's “better now than [he] was a few months ago.”
- Future Plans: Deulofeu hopes to decide on his future in the next 4-5 months, weighing the possibility of retirement against a potential return to the pitch. If he does return, he insists it will be with Udinese, highlighting the special bond he shares with the club and its fans.
- Career Highlights: Deulofeu has had a notable career, playing for top clubs like Barcelona, Everton, Sevilla, and Milan. He's also won three Spanish championships and a Europa League title.
Gerard Deulofeu's Impact on Udinese
Gerard Deulofeu's influence extends beyond his playing days for Udinese. Recently, he participated in a conference highlighting the club's sustainability initiatives, specifically the installation of 2,400 solar panels at the Bluenergy Stadium. This project, a collaboration with Bluenergy, aims to make the stadium partially energy self-sufficient and reduce carbon emissions. The initiative aligns with Udinese's commitment to environmental sustainability and has contributed to the club being recognized as one of the most sustainable in the world.
Deulofeu's Injury and Recovery
Deulofeu's playing career with Udinese was put on hold after he suffered a severe ACL rupture against Napoli in 2022. Unfortunately, his recovery was complicated by a rare cartilage infection following surgery, which forced him to consider retirement. Despite this setback, Deulofeu has made progress in his rehabilitation and remains optimistic about his future. He has expressed gratitude for the support he received during this challenging period and hopes to return to football.
Udinese's Sustainability Efforts
Udinese's commitment to sustainability has been recognized globally, and the club's initiatives have influenced UEFA's decision to host the 2025 UEFA Super Cup at the Bluenergy Stadium. The club's partnership with Bluenergy has not only reduced its carbon footprint but also promoted environmental awareness. With the installation of solar panels, Udinese is taking significant steps towards achieving its goal of eliminating emissions and becoming a model for sustainable practices in sports.
Gerard Deulofeu's Journey with Udinese
Gerard Deulofeu, now 31, has been working hard to recover from a serious knee injury that has kept him sidelined since 2023. Despite terminating his contract with Udinese in January 2025, Deulofeu remains committed to the club and its fans. He expressed his desire to repay the support of Udinese and return to the pitch wearing their iconic black and white colors.
Training with Gokhan Inler
Deulofeu spoke about his rehabilitation progress at a conference alongside technical director Gokhan Inler and former Udinese great Oliver Bierhoff. “We can train every morning with Gokhan,” Deulofeu said, highlighting his passion for training and his dream of playing football again. “One of my strengths and one of my passions is training and dreaming of playing football.” This opportunity to train with Inler has likely been instrumental in Deulofeu's recovery journey.
Repaying Udinese's Support
Deulofeu's bond with Udinese remains strong, and he has consistently expressed his gratitude for the club's support during his injury. If he recovers and returns to football, Deulofeu has stated that it will be with Udinese, the club he feels has been his second home. This loyalty is a testament to the special relationship between Deulofeu and the Udinese community.
“It has been a really tough time. It’s been two years, and, of course, I am getting better every day but it’s too slow. The knee is going really slow but, I said I’m young, that’s why I am still fighting.
“But, if there is one day that I can recover, I am going to play for Udinese.”
Gerard Deulofeu's Continued Involvement with Udinese
Despite terminating his contract with Udinese in January 2025 due to a prolonged injury, Gerard Deulofeu remains closely tied to the club. The Spanish forward continues to train with Udinese's technical director, Gokhan Inler, and is passing on his expertise to the team's younger players. Deulofeu's bond with Udinese remains strong, and he has expressed his desire to repay the club's support if he recovers and returns to football. In fact, he stated that if he does play again, it will be with Udinese, highlighting the special relationship he shares with the club and its fans.
He added: “We (the team) are training together every morning. I am giving confidence and advice to the young ones. I am there to be a bit of an example because there is a lot of nationalities.
“We are fighting for this responsibility to be part of Udinese, more than 30 years in Serie, so we have to keep going to do our best to put the club where they have to be.”
Gerard Deulofeu's Path to Recovery
A lengthy injury layoff can take a toll on an athlete's mental and physical well-being. Gerard Deulofeu credits his family with helping him stay positive during this challenging time. As he works towards recovering from his serious knee injury, Deulofeu finds solace in his loved ones and the comfort of his surroundings.
Family and Nature as Sources of Strength
Deulofeu shared the importance of his support system, saying, “After training, I am back home. In that time period, I need my family, I need love, I need my passions, I need the nature of Udine.” His family provides him with the emotional support he needs to stay motivated and focused on his rehabilitation. The natural beauty of Udine also plays a significant role in his recovery, offering him a sense of peace and tranquility.
Deulofeu said: “After training, I am back home. In that time period, I need my family, I need love, I need my passions, I need the nature of Udine.
“Living my life and you can see my kids growing. I am happy here, but to complete this happiness will be playing again.”
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